Venus Williams to launch 2026 campaign in Auckland

NEW YORK: Tennis icon Venus Williams will kick off her 2026 season in Auckland, the tournament announced this week, as the 45-year-old continues her inspiring return to the sport. The seven-time Grand Slam champion made headlines in July when she became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004, marking a triumphant comeback after a 16-month layoff.

Williams drew huge crowds at the U.S. Open, where she and Canadian star Leylah Fernandez thrilled fans with a run to the women’s doubles quarter-finals. Organisers of the Auckland event celebrated her upcoming appearance, posting on X: “The one and only, the game-changer, the all-time great… @Venuseswilliams will RETURN.”

The WTA 250 tournament, a key warm-up for the Australian Open, will take place from January 5 to 11, followed by the men’s event. Fans in New Zealand will now get a chance to witness one of the sport’s most celebrated champions as she writes the latest chapter of her remarkable career.