Venus Williams continues to struggle in singles matches, now losing 13 consecutive games. The seven-time major champion was convincingly beaten 6-2, 6-2 by Emiliana Arango in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open. Williams, aged 46, entered the WTA 1000 event as a wild-card recipient but hasn’t secured a singles victory since July 2025. Arango, a 25-year-old Colombian qualifier ranked 95th, defeated Williams in just over an hour on the grandstand court at Lindner Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
Arango swiftly took control of the match by breaking Williams’ serve in the initial game, setting the tone for her dominance. Williams struggled to convert her break opportunities and only managed to win 41% of her first-serve points. Arango capitalized on her chances, converting 4 out of 5 break points and winning 71% of her first-serve points. Looking ahead, Arango is set to face the No. 7 seed and defending Cincinnati champion Iga Swiatek in the next round.
Williams last celebrated a singles victory in Washington last year against Peyton Stearns. Reflecting on her performance, Williams expressed frustration at not finishing points as desired but acknowledged her need for greater consistency. Despite the singles setback, Williams is determined to compete in doubles alongside her sister Serena, with whom she received a wild-card entry. The Williams sisters are scheduled to face Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the doubles tournament, commencing on Sunday. Venus Williams is also gearing up to partner with Alexander Bublik in mixed doubles at the upcoming U.S. Open.
