Venus Williams, the legendary American tennis player, is set to embark on her 33rd consecutive season on the WTA Tour. Her journey will commence at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, scheduled for January 5-11, 2026, where she has received a wild card entry.
At 45 years old, Williams continues to demonstrate her passion for the sport, aiming for a strong return as she prepares for the Australian Open later in the month. The Australian Open holds a special significance for Williams, as she has reached the finals twice but has yet to secure the title, last participating in the tournament in 2021.
Williams first burst onto the professional scene in 1994 at a tournament in Oakland, California. Remarkably, she has competed in at least two WTA events every year since her debut. However, she has primarily played in North America recently, with her last appearance outside the region happening at the Birmingham event in 2023.
Her most recent singles match took place at the US Open in August, where she faced off against the 11th seed Karolina Muchova. In a tightly contested first-round matchup, Williams was defeated in three sets. Despite the loss in singles, she found success in women’s doubles at Flushing Meadows, reaching the quarterfinals while partnering with Leylah Fernandez.
As of now, Williams is ranked No. 570, making her five years older than the next oldest players on the WTA rankings, Naoko Eto and Bethanie Mattek-Sands. Williams’ tenacity and enduring spirit continue to serve as an inspiration in the world of tennis, and fans eagerly await her return to the court.
