Venus Williams extended her singles losing streak to 13 matches as she suffered a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to 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 tasted victory in singles competition since July 2025. Arango, a 25-year-old qualifier from Colombia ranked 95th, outplayed Williams in a one-hour, five-minute match at Lindner Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio.
Arango capitalized on her opportunities, converting 4 out of 5 break points and winning 71% of her first-serve points. In contrast, Williams struggled with her first-serve accuracy, managing to convert only 41% of her first serves. Reflecting on her performance, Arango acknowledged the importance of taking an early lead to settle her nerves and maintain pressure on Williams.
Having last secured a singles victory in Washington against Peyton Stearns, Williams expressed her frustration at not being able to close out points effectively despite controlling the game. She emphasized the need to enhance her consistency in crucial moments. Williams, participating in her 11th appearance at the Cincinnati tournament, will now shift her focus to the doubles event alongside her sister Serena, with whom she received a wild-card entry.
The Williams sisters, set to reunite in doubles competition after their last joint appearance at the 2022 U.S. Open, were initially slated to partner at Wimbledon before Serena’s injury. They are scheduled to face Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in the doubles opener as the tournament’s doubles segment commences on Sunday. Looking ahead, Venus Williams expressed her excitement about the upcoming doubles match and her participation in mixed doubles with Alexander Bublik at the upcoming U.S. Open.