Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams’ record-breaking day ends in a 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 the event but lost her subsequent six matches at tour level.

This run includes first round losses at the US Open and Australian Open after being awarded wildcards. She competed well in both matches but lost in both deciding sets.

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

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

“She definitely deserves a wildcard if she’s in shape and playing, because she’s a star. She’s one of the greatest tennis players we’ve ever seen.”

“A lot of Australians say: we have to give to them [wildcards] For young players, why do we need to give it to Venus, she has to prove herself.

“She had a good summer in the States and was playing good tennis. I’m not sure if she ran out of gas but it seemed so, [being] He played short in the game by a score of 4-0 and then lost the next six games. But it just turned out that she can still play tennis.

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

“She says she is committed to playing more tournaments and that is a great sign because she only has a few games to go.”