46-year-old Venus Williams to return next week, faces opponent 28 years younger aiming to snap 16-match losing streak
WTA
Venus Williams will return to action at the Guangzhou Open, where she faces an 18-year-old opponent with a 16-match losing streak on the line. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is looking to secure her first singles victory since July 2025, with the WTA 250 tournament offering another opportunity to end her difficult run before the season concludes.
The 46-year-old American has been drawn against Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger, who is 28 years younger than her. Tagger has already made her mark on the tour in 2026, winning the junior girls' singles title at Roland Garros before claiming her first WTA Tour title in Prague, setting up an intriguing first-round matchup in Guangzhou.
Williams has continued to compete in recent months, including at the US Open, where she lost to Sofia Kenin in the first round. Her most recent singles victory came against Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open in July 2025, leaving her searching for a breakthrough as she approaches the final stretch of the season.
The Guangzhou draw also features several other established names, including Paula Badosa, Zeynep Sonmez, Sofia Kenin and Katerina Siniakova. Williams will also compete in doubles alongside Indonesian player Janice Tjen, adding another storyline to her return as she prepares for a busy week in China.
Williams faces teenage prospect in Guangzhou
Tagger arrives in Guangzhou as one of the younger players attracting attention on the women's circuit. The Austrian won the junior girls' singles title at the French Open and claimed her first WTA Tour title in Prague earlier in 2026, establishing herself as a player to watch as she continues to develop at senior level.
The contrast between the two players is particularly striking. When Tagger was born in February 2008, Williams had already reached world No. 1, won six of her seven Grand Slam singles titles and collected two Olympic gold medals. The American's longevity has allowed her to continue competing against players from a generation that grew up watching her achievements.
Williams will need to draw on that experience against an opponent who is still establishing herself on the main tour. Tagger's early success suggests that the teenager will provide a serious test, although Williams' experience at the highest level remains a defining feature of the matchup.
There has been significant criticism regarding the number of wildcards Venus Williams has received in recent years, given that she has not proven to be very competitive. She is currently on a 16-match losing streak and has managed only 4 wins in her last 30 matches since 2021.
Badosa leads other names in Guangzhou draw
Williams is not the only established name attracting attention at the tournament. Paula Badosa is also scheduled to compete in Guangzhou, entering as the fifth seed as she looks to make progress during the final stretch of the season. The Spaniard is set to begin against China's Xiyu Wang, with a potential meeting against second seed Janice Tjen in the quarter-finals.
Zeynep Sonmez is another seeded player in the field, while Sofia Kenin and Katerina Siniakova are among the other familiar names associated with the tournament draw. The event offers a mix of established tour players and emerging talents, with the singles competition taking place on outdoor hard courts.
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For Williams, however, the immediate focus will be on her opening match against Tagger. The American's return to competition has already been a story of persistence following her extended absence, and Guangzhou offers another opportunity to turn that continued commitment into a singles victory.
With a 28-year age gap between the opponents and a lengthy losing run to end, her first-round match will be one of the tournament's most closely watched encounters.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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