Former world No. 1 Venus Williams bowed out early at the ASB Classic after a three-set loss to Poland’s Magda Linette on Tuesday, Jan. 6, in Auckland, New Zealand.

Williams, competing in her first match since August, showed competitiveness and resilience despite falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the opening round of the Women’s Tennis Association 250 event.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion entered the tournament as a wildcard and continues to work her way back into match form ahead of the Australian Open later this month.

Linette stays steady in deciding set

World No. 53 Magda Linette relied on consistency and patience to outlast Williams, regrouping after dropping the second set to take control of the decider.

Linette acknowledged the challenge of facing a powerful opponent, saying she needed to stay solid and limit errors to secure the win.

With the victory, Linette advanced to the second round where she is set to face Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

Williams focused on fitness and rhythm

Ranked No. 582, Williams said her primary goal was rebuilding match fitness and sharpening her timing following months away from competition.

The 45-year-old praised Linette’s performance and stressed that the result was secondary to her long-term preparation for Melbourne.

Williams’ exit followed other early surprises in the tournament, including the first-round departure of second-seeded American Emma Navarro.