Nov. 5 (UPI) — Tennis legend Venus Williams will start her 33rd-consecutive professional tennis campaign in January at the ASB Classic, organizers announced Wednesday.
“Legend status,” the ASB Classic wrote on its social media accounts. “The one and only, the game-changer, the all-time great. Venus Williams will return for ASB Classic 2026. “Where else would you be this summer?”
Williams, 45, turned professional in 1994 at age 14. The former world No. 1, who holds seven Grand Slam singles titles, logged a 819-281 record with 49 career crowns since her debut. She also earned more than $42 million in prize money.
She teamed up with sister Serena for a record 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
Williams sits at No. 570 in the WTA Tour singles rankings. She lost to No. 19 Karolina Muchova of the Czech Republic in her last singles match Aug. 25 in the first round of the 2025 U.S. Open.
The 2026 ASB Classic will be held from Jan. 5 to 11 at the ASB Tennis Centre in Parnell, Auckland.
Venus Williams eyes the ball served by Arantxa Sanchez Vicario during their quarter final match during the U.S. Open on September 9, 1998 in Flushing, N.Y. Photo by Ralph Ginzburg/UPI | License Photo