Venus Williams’ difficult singles run continued on Tuesday as the seven-time Grand Slam champion was beaten by Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger at the Guangzhou Open in China, marking a 16th straight defeat.

Tagger moves into the second round

The 46-year-old American, once ranked No. 1 in the world, went down 6-2, 6-2 against 18-year-old Tagger in a one-sided first-round contest.

• Tagger, ranked No. 53, sealed the straight-sets victory to reach round two.
• Her next opponent will be Poland’s Magda Linette.
• Williams is currently placed No. 599 in the world rankings.

Winless singles season continues

The loss left Williams without a singles win on the WTA Tour in 2026, with her record for the year now standing at 0-13.

Her most recent singles victory came in Washington in July 2025, when she defeated Peyton Stearns.

Doubles success provides a bright spot

While her singles campaign has remained frustrating, Williams did enjoy success in Guangzhou’s women’s doubles event on Monday.

She claimed the doubles title alongside Indonesian partner Janice Tjen.

A career filled with major titles

Williams has collected seven Grand Slam singles trophies during her career, comprising five Wimbledon championships and two US Open crowns.

She has also won 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles with her sister, Serena Williams.