The Ageless Venus: Williams Proves Doubters Wrong in Auckland Opener

Venus Williams may have walked off the court in Auckland without a “W,” but she left no doubt that she still belongs on the professional stage. Competing at 45 years old, the tennis icon pushed fifth-seeded Magda Linette to the brink in a high-octane three-set battle at the ASB Classic.

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The final score—4-6, 6-4, 2-6—tells only half the story. In a match that lasted over two hours, Williams showed flashes of the vintage power that earned her seven Grand Slam titles.

Why This Loss Felt Like a Win

• Physical Resilience: Despite her limited schedule in recent years, Venus covered the court with remarkable speed, drawing praise from Linette for her “incredible movement.”
• The Power Game: She racked up seven aces and dictated many rallies from the baseline, proving her flat, heavy groundstrokes are still a nightmare for top-100 players.
• Competitive Fire: After dropping the first set, Williams refused to fade, breaking Linette’s serve early in the second to force a decider.

A Historic Summer Ahead

Auckland was just the warm-up. Venus is gearing up for a historic run through the Australian summer swing, fueled by a new sense of “joy” following her recent marriage to Andrea Preti.

Tournament	Date	Significance
Hobart International	Jan 12–17	A wildcard entry to sharpen her match fitness.
Australian Open	Jan 18	Will become the oldest woman in history to play the main draw.

The Verdict

While most players her age have long since transitioned to the commentary booth, Venus Williams continues to defy the biological clock. Her performance in Auckland suggests that she isn’t just on a “farewell tour”—she is there to win.