Venus Williams explains her choice for first tournament of 2026 season

Saturday, 29 November 2025 at 19:43

byJordan Reynolds

Venus Williams's remarkable career will continue next year, starting at the 2026 ASB Classic in Auckland, and the tennis legend has spoken about why she chose to begin there.

After over a year away from professional tennis, Williams made a much-publicized return during the North American swing in July, August, and September. She wowed fans by defeating Peyton Stearns at the 2025 Citi Open in Washington.

Although Williams lost her next three singles matches across the Citi Open, 2025 Cincinnati Open, and the 2025 US Open, the 45-year-old's level in those contests, including pushing Karolina Muchova to three sets, impressed many.

Rather than viewing it as one last hurrah, Williams took motivation from being able to play so well at 45. That led to her being announced for next year's ASB Classic, a tournament she has appeared at three times.

In a vlog on social media, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said she did not want to cram too many events into a certain part of the season in 2026, and also felt practicing for a few months after the US Open gave her a head start.

"What’s next? Well… We’re going to Auckland. And we have a head start practicing; it’s not long after the Open - so we’re on our feet - bah, bah, bah. For me, it was important to get started early because I hated the feeling of cramming, I wanna be ready. Got back on the court, even if I missed a day or two here, I was always there. And it’s paying off - so. That’s the US Open rap, we’re getting ready for next year."

Playing professional tournaments at 45 is already an absurd achievement. Her younger and even more successful sister, Serena Williams, has been retired for over three years and plays with her daughter instead.

Coco Gauff has revealed where she will begin her 2026 season

In 2023 and 2024, Coco Gauff started her season at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She won the title at both editions, and many expected the American to begin 2025 in New Zealand after those successful appearances.

Instead, Gauff elected to represent Team USA at the United Cup. That proved an inspired decision, as the WTA world No. 3 won four singles and two doubles matches in the team's impressive run to the title.

Gauff's victories included one over Iga Swiatek in the final. That battle included the Pole controversially taking a medical timeout before Gauff served for the match, something many thought was unsporting.

The 21-year-old enjoyed her United Cup experience and has committed to next year's edition in January. Taylor Fritz, the other key member of Team USA's 2025 team, will also play, meaning the Americans will start as the favorites once again.

Gauff had an impressive 2025 Asian swing, including winning a maiden Wuhan Open title, before she ran out of steam at the 2025 WTA Finals. Shortly afterward, the fan favorite posted a heartfelt message thanking those who supported her throughout the season.