Venus Williams was beaten in three sets by Magda Linette in the first round of the Auckland Classic on Tuesday.
Williams showed some of her famous quality, but tired towards the end as Linette won 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. The crowd gave Williams a warm round of applause as she left the court.
The 45-year-old will now travel to Hobart to play another warm-up tournament before the Australian Open. She has been given a wildcard and will become the oldest woman ever to play in the event. It will also be her first Australian Open in five years.
Williams has played very little tennis recently. This match was her first singles match since the US Open in August. She also lost a doubles match in Auckland on Monday with Elina Svitolina.
In the match against Linette, Williams hit four aces in the second set to take the match to a deciding third set. However, she struggled in the final set as Linette broke her serve twice to win the match.
Linette, ranked 52 in the world, said she was impressed by Williams’ movement and power, despite the American now being ranked 582.
