Venus Williams, 45, lost in the first round of the Hobart International, suffering another early exit before the Australian Open.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion battled for 87 minutes against German world number 42 Tatjana Maria but fell 6-4, 6-3. Williams saved six of nine break points yet failed to find rhythm. She now heads to Melbourne with a wildcard entry, five years after her last appearance at the Australian Open. She will become the oldest woman ever to compete at the opening Grand Slam of the year.
Williams has played sporadically in recent seasons and struggled in Auckland last week, where she also lost in the opening round. Her return to Melbourne carries historical significance, but her form raises questions about her chances.
Tatjana Maria, 38, advanced to face Hungary’s Anna Bondar in the last 16. Maria continues her resurgence after becoming the oldest WTA singles champion since Serena Williams in 2020 with her Queen’s Club victory last year.
Barbora Krejcikova, ranked 55, also exited Hobart. The Czech star, who won the French Open in 2021 and Wimbledon in 2024, lost 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 to American Peyton Stearns. Krejcikova required knee treatment and played with heavy strapping, highlighting lingering injury concerns. She missed last year’s Australian Open with a back injury but returned at the United Cup, winning two matches.
Stearns will now meet Olga Danilovic, who defeated American defending champion McCartney Kessler in three sets. The Hobart International results underline the unpredictable nature of Australian Open preparations, with veterans struggling and rising talents seizing opportunities.
