Venus Williams extended her singles losing streak to 13 matches as she was defeated 6-2, 6-2 by Emiliana Arango in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open. The seven-time major champion, aged 46, entered the WTA 1000 event as a wild-card recipient but has not secured a singles victory since July 2025. Arango, a 25-year-old qualifier from Colombia ranked 95th, triumphed over Williams in one hour and five minutes on the grandstand court at Lindner Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. Williams faced an early setback with her serve being broken in the first game, while Arango capitalized on her break opportunities, converting 4 out of 5, and winning 71% of her first-serve points. In contrast, Williams struggled with her first-serve points, only managing a 41% success rate.
Arango, feeling more confident after taking an early lead, expressed her satisfaction with her performance and emphasized the importance of making Williams play as much as possible. In the upcoming second round, Arango is set to challenge the No. 7 seed and defending Cincinnati champion, Iga Swiatek.
Williams’ most recent singles victory occurred last year in Washington against Peyton Stearns. Despite feeling in control of the points, Williams acknowledged the need to enhance her consistency in finishing them off. This marks Williams’ 11th appearance in the Cincinnati tournament. Following her singles match, Williams is scheduled to compete in the doubles event alongside her sister, Serena, after receiving a wild-card entry. The Williams sisters, who last played doubles together at the 2022 U.S. Open, will face Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in the opening round. The doubles competition is set to commence on Sunday.
Looking ahead, Venus Williams expressed her excitement for the doubles event and her mixed doubles partnership with Alexander Bublik at the upcoming U.S. Open later this month.