Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and 46-year-old American Venus Williams exited the singles draw at the WTA 250 tournament in Guangzhou, China, in the first round. Facing 18-year-old Austrian Lilli Tagger, the match left no doubt about the outcome: it ended 6-2, 6-2 in favor of the young opponent. For one of the most titled tennis players in history, this defeat became another step in a protracted slump that has long ceased to be an exception and has turned into a steady trend.
First Round Defeat
The encounter in Guangzhou took place in two sets, and the American failed to mount a challenge in any of the game segments. The crushing scoreline of 6-2, 6-2 highlights the difference in current form and age: 46-year-old Williams versus 18-year-old Tagger. This very match marked the former world number one's 16th consecutive singles defeat, and within the current season, she has already lost 13 singles matches.
Record Losing Streak and Statistics Since 2021
Statistics from recent years are telling. Beginning in August 2021, Venus Williams has entered main draws primarily through wild cards. Over this period, she has played 34 singles matches, securing just four victories. Thus, her singles win-loss ratio over the past few seasons is heavily against her, and the streak of 16 lost matches in a row has become one of the longest in her late career.
Last Singles Victory
The American last celebrated success in a singles match in July 2025, when she advanced to the second round at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington. More than a year has passed since then without a singles victory, making her current 16-match losing streak even more prominent against the backdrop of her legendary past. Nevertheless, Williams continues to actively participate in tournament life, relying on invitations from organizers.
Continuing in Doubles
Despite the defeat in the singles tournament, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is not leaving Guangzhou: she will continue her performances in the doubles event. In the quarterfinals, her opponent will be Ukrainian tennis player Lyudmyla Kichenok, who will fight for a spot in the next round. The doubles format remains a more productive avenue for Williams, where she demonstrates more stable results.
Guangzhou Tournament Context
The tournament in China takes place against the backdrop of other notable results. Earlier it was reported that Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska saved three match points and snatched victory at the start of the tournament in China, emphasizing the competitive level of the event. For Williams, the main storyline remains her protracted singles losing streak and her attempt to maintain performance in doubles, where she intends to continue fighting in Guangzhou.
