Hobart, Australia – Venus Williams’ preparation for the Australian Open hit a snag Tuesday as she lost in straight sets to Tatjana Maria at the Hobart International. The 6-4, 6-3 defeat marks the second consecutive first-round exit for the American veteran, raising questions about her form ahead of the Grand Slam tournament. This match was also notable for setting a new record for the highest combined age of players in a WTA Tour main draw match.
The match, held in Hobart, Tasmania, saw the 45-year-old Williams fall to the 38-year-old Maria after 87 minutes of play. Despite saving six of nine break points, Williams couldn’t overcome Maria’s consistent performance. The loss comes as Williams prepares to compete in the Australian Open, where she has been granted a wildcard entry.
Venus Williams’ Australian Open Prospects Dim After Hobart Loss
The defeat in Hobart is a setback for Williams, who is aiming to make a significant impact at the Australian Open. She will be the oldest woman to compete in the tournament, five years after her last appearance. Her recent form, however, suggests a challenging road ahead in Melbourne.
Maria, currently ranked 42nd in the world, acknowledged the honor of playing against a legend like Williams. She noted the difficult windy conditions but expressed her enjoyment of the match. Maria’s victory propels her into the last-16, where she will face Anna Bondar of Hungary.
A Historic Match and Maria’s Recent Success
The encounter between Williams and Maria was a landmark event, with a combined age of 83 years. This surpasses the previous record for the oldest combined age in a WTA main draw match since the tour’s inception in 1973. The match drew attention not only for its historical significance but also for the respect between the two competitors.
Maria’s recent success includes a WTA Tour singles title win at Queen’s Club in London last year, making her the oldest tour winner since Serena Williams in 2020. This victory demonstrates her continued competitiveness at the highest level of women’s tennis. Her consistent performance and tactical play were evident against Williams.
Meanwhile, other seeded players also faced early exits at the Hobart International. Barbora Krejcikova, a two-time Grand Slam champion, lost to Peyton Stearns in a closely contested three-set match. Krejcikova had been dealing with a knee injury, which appeared to hamper her movement during the match. According to reports, she received treatment and strapping on her knee during the contest.
Stearns will now face Olga Danilovic in the next round, after Danilovic defeated defending champion McCartney Kessler. These early upsets highlight the unpredictable nature of the tournament and the rising talent within the women’s game. The Australian Open qualifying rounds are also underway, adding another layer of competition to the build-up to the main event.
The focus now shifts to Melbourne, where Williams will attempt to regain her form and make a competitive showing at the Australian Open. Her wildcard entry provides an opportunity to test her abilities against the world’s best players. The tournament begins on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Williams to see how she performs.
The Australian Open draw is expected to be released later this week, which will reveal Williams’ path through the tournament. Her performance in Melbourne will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they assess her chances of making a deep run. The unpredictable nature of the sport and the presence of rising stars mean that the outcome remains uncertain.
