The defeat of Venus Williams was one of the main focuses of the Auckland tournament, a setting that marked the early end of the participation of the veteran American, defeated in the first round by the Polish player Magda Linette. The result left the New Zealand tournament without one of its most emblematic figures and raised questions about the immediate future of the seven-time Grand Slam champion.

Venus Williams eliminated in her Auckland debut

The former world number one, currently ranked 582nd in the WTA rankings, lost to Linette 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 after two and a quarter hours of play. At 45, Venus Williams couldn't maintain her rhythm in the deciding set and prematurely exited the singles tournament, in which she was playing her first match since her elimination last August at the US Open. The American, one of the most influential figures in the history of women's tennis, had already been eliminated from the doubles draw on Monday alongside Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, completing a difficult week in New Zealand. A return marked by physical demands: The match against Linette showed glimpses of the talent and power that characterized Williams for decades, but also highlighted the physical difficulties inherent in her return to high-level competition. The match was intense and hard-fought, although the Polish player ultimately prevailed more solidly in the final stages. Despite the elimination, Venus Williams' roadmap remains unchanged, and she now has her sights set on the Australian Open, a tournament that has historically eluded her and which she entered thanks to a wildcard entry. On the road to Melbourne: a new historic challenge. The Florida native will compete in her 98th Grand Slam in Melbourne, returning to the tournament four years later. Before traveling to Australia, Venus will compete in Hobart, where she is looking to regain match fitness and confidence. If her participation is confirmed,She will become the oldest player in history to compete in the Australian Open, a new milestone in a legendary career that continues to defy the passage of time.

Linette advances and awaits opponent in second round

After eliminating Venus Williams, Magda Linette advanced to the second round of the Auckland tournament, where she will face Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto, who defeated American Alycia Parks 6-2, 7-5.

As the tournament continues with new protagonists, Venus Williams' early exit is one of the most talked-about stories of the start of the season and keeps attention focused on her next appearance in international tennis.