Venus Williams to play in Auckland
Venus Williams will begin her 2026 season in Auckland, the tournament said this week, as the 45-year-old American continues her return to competitive tennis.
The seven-times Grand Slam winner became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004 when she returned to competition after a 16-month layoff in July.
She became one of the biggest attractions for fans at the US Open as she and Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez reached the women's doubles quarterfinal.
Legend status 💫🏆🐐
— ASB Classic (@ASB_Classic) November 4, 2025
The one and only, the game-changer, the all-time great… @Venuseswilliams will RETURN for #ASBClassic26
Where else would you be this summer? 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/wjX6urBClM
"The one and only, the game-changer, the all-time great… @Venuseswilliams will RETURN," tournament organisers posted on the social media platform X.
The WTA 250-level tournament, widely seen as a tune-up event for the Australian Open, runs from 5 January through 11 January, with the men's competition following.
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