Venus Williams out in first round for seventh straight time

Nike Melbourne 2026At the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, Venus Williams suffered her seventh consecutive first round exit. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has not won a match since defeating Peyton Stearns at the July 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open. In Indian Wells, the 45-year-old who entered with a wildcard lost to Diane Perry, a French 23-year-old, 6-3 6-7(4) 6-1.

Venus WilliamsSpeaking with press after the early exit, the American said the wind made the match a poor benchmark of her current level, “The conditions are impossible. Also, my match in Austin the conditions were impossible. I have played the last two matches in very difficult conditions. In Austin I refused to relent and…