Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams’ record-breaking day ends in close first-round defeat

Williams had not played for more than a year when she returned to WTA Tour action at the Washington Open in July 2025.

She beat fellow American Peyton Stearns in her opening match of that event but has lost her subsequent six matches at tour level.

That run includes first-round losses at the US Open and the Australian Open after being granted wildcards. She competed well in both encounters but lost both in deciding sets.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s daily podcast from the Australian Open, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said he thought Williams’ status in the sport means she should be considered for wildcards at future Grand Slam tournaments such as this summer’s Wimbledon – but only if her form and results are deserving of them.

“Venus hasn’t played a lot of tennis, she’s won something like three matches in three years,” said Cash.

“She certainly deserves a wildcard if she’s in some form and she plays, because she’s a superstar. She’s one of the greatest tennis players we’ve ever seen.

“A lot of Australians are saying ‘we have got to give them [wildcards] to young players, why do we need to give it to Venus, she’s got to prove herself’.

“She played a good US summer and she was playing good tennis. I’m not sure if she ran out of gas but it would appear so, [being] short on match play at 4-0 up then losing the next six games. But it’s just shown that she can still play tennis.

“Going forward, Wimbledon would be great for her to play at again [but] I don’t think the All England Club should just be handing her a wildcard because she’s Venus Williams. I think she’s got to prove herself.

“She says she’s committed to playing more tournaments and that’s a great sign because she’s just short on matches.”