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Venus Williams loses 16th consecutive match at Guangzhou Open
•2 min read•1 source
Venus Williams, the 46-year-old tennis veteran and former world number one, has suffered her 16th consecutive singles defeat after losing in straight sets at the Guangzhou Open. Williams fell 6-2, 6-2 to 18-year-old Austrian Lilli Tagger on September 26, 2025. The encounter was historically significant for the tour, as it featured a 28-year age difference between the competitors, representing the largest age gap in a WTA match recorded this decade.
The match saw Tagger dominate the court with effective serving and consistent groundstrokes, showcasing a rising talent that Williams struggled to match in speed and endurance. Currently ranked 599th in the world, Williams has not secured a singles victory since July 2025. Her ongoing participation in major tournaments has become a point of discussion among tennis analysts, as she frequently relies on wildcards to enter main draws. While some argue that these entries could be allocated to younger prospects, the atmosphere in Guangzhou remained overwhelmingly positive, with the crowd providing immense support for the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Despite the mounting streak of losses, Williams continues to demonstrate the competitive spirit that has defined her decades-long career. However, this latest result highlights the increasing difficulty she faces in keeping pace with the physical demands of younger opponents like Tagger. While her legendary status remains intact, the defeat serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the veteran as she navigates the final stages of her professional career.
