Tennis icon Venus Williams fell to Ajla Tomljanovic 6-4, 6-1 in the first round of the ATX Open on Tuesday, extending the wild card entry's 2026 winless streak.
Williams started strong against Tomljanovic, as the 45-year-old broke serve immediately and raced to a 2-0 lead. She went on to deliver vintage winners, capitalizing on consecutive Tomljanovic double faults.
However, Williams could not maintain her momentum. Tomljanovic rallied from a 3-1 deficit in the first set before Williams held two points to hold serve for 4-2 but failed to convert. She then held two points to level the set at 5-5, but Tomljanovic denied the US star with creative shotmaking.
Tomljanovic sealed the first set after a wildly spun slice caught the tape for a winner. The second set proved less competitive, with Tomljanovic winning two crucial multi-deuce games to take control.
The loss marked the pair's first-ever meeting. However, Tomljanovic defeated Serena Williams 7-5, 6-7(4), 6-1 in the 2022 US Open, in what would become the younger Williams sister's final professional match.
Tuesday's victory completed Tomljanovic's historic sibling sweep.
"Venus and Serena tend to bring the best out in me mentally," Tomljanovic said postmatch. "Because I always think, 'What would they do in that moment?' I try to make it work for me, instead of against me."
What's next for Venus Williams after her 2026 ATX Open exit
Venus Williams entered the 2026 ATX Open as a wildcard, going on to remain winless this season with a 0-3 record across three tournaments.
After Tuesday's win, Tomljanovic advances to face No. 2 seed Iva Jovic in the Austin tournament's second round.
