Venus Williams, the 46‑year‑old seven‑time Grand Slam champion, suffered a 6‑2, 6‑2 defeat to 18‑year‑old Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger in the second round of the Guangzhou Open on Tuesday, extending her losing streak on the WTA Tour to 16 matches.
What was the score and who won?
Tagger, who is 28 years younger than Williams, dominated the match in southern China, cruising through both sets without dropping a game. The Austrian’s powerful baseline play left the former world No. 1 unable to mount a comeback.
Key facts from the encounter
- The match concluded with a 6‑2, 6‑2 scoreline in favor of Tagger.
- Williams is currently ranked 599 in the world, a steep drop from her peak.
- Her last singles victory on the WTA Tour came in July 2025.
- The 53rd‑ranked Tagger will face Poland’s Magda Linette in the next round.
- Earlier in the week, Williams captured a doubles title in Guangzhou alongside Indonesia’s Janice Tjen.
Why has Williams struggled recently?
Williams has not won a singles match since July of last year and exited the 2025 US Open in the first round, losing in straight sets to Sofia Kenin. Her age and limited match play have contributed to a series of defeats, culminating in this latest loss.
What does this mean for the tournament?
Tagger’s victory propels her deeper into the event, where she will aim to continue her impressive run. For Williams, the defeat underscores the challenges veteran players face when competing against younger, rising talents on the professional circuit.
Background on the players
Venus Williams turned professional in 1994 and amassed 7 Grand Slam singles titles before injuries and age began to limit her competitiveness. Lilli Tagger, a promising Austrian prospect, has been climbing the rankings and is now ranked 53rd, positioning her as a formidable opponent on the tour.
Future outlook
Williams will return to doubles action with Janice Tjen on Wednesday, hoping to add another title to her collection. Meanwhile, Tagger’s next challenge against Magda Linette will test whether she can sustain her momentum in Guangzhou.