Venus Williams extended her singles losing streak to 13 matches after being defeated by Emiliana Arango 6-2, 6-2 in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open. The seven-time major champion, who received a wild-card entry to the WTA 1000 event, last won a singles match back in July 2025.
Arango, a 25-year-old qualifier from Colombia ranked 95th, outplayed Williams on the grandstand court at Lindner Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio. Williams struggled from the start, with her serve being broken in the first game. Arango capitalized on break points and dominated on first-serve points, securing the victory in just over an hour.
Looking ahead, Arango is set to face No. 7 seed and defending Cincinnati champion Iga Swiatek in the next round. Williams, who won her last singles match in Washington against Peyton Stearns, expressed her determination to improve her consistency in controlling shots for better outcomes.
Despite the singles defeat, Venus Williams will team up with her sister, Serena, for the doubles event in Cincinnati. The duo, who last played together at the 2022 U.S. Open, will face Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the tournament. Additionally, Venus has plans to participate in mixed doubles with Alexander Bublik at the upcoming U.S. Open later this month.