Former World No.1 Venus Williams faced another defeat as she lost her 10th consecutive singles match at the Madrid Open. The 45-year-old American star was defeated 6-2, 6-4 by Kaitlin Quevedo in the first round, marking a challenging return to the circuit for Williams. This loss also made her the first former number one player to experience such a streak since rankings began in 1975.
According to WTA Tour records, Williams last secured a victory in July 2025 when she defeated Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open. With seven Grand Slam titles under her belt, including five Wimbledon championships and two U.S. Open victories, Williams holds a remarkable tennis legacy. She also boasts the record for the most Grand Slam appearances, with this year’s Australian Open marking her 95th tournament participation.
In contrast, the 20-year-old Spanish player, Kaitlin Quevedo, ranked 140th globally, clinched her first WTS 1000 match by overcoming Williams. Despite being down 3-0 in the second set, Quevedo staged a comeback to secure the victory. Williams, a 2010 finalist, faced a determined opponent who managed to outplay her on the court.
Williams, who received a wildcard entry to the Indian Wells tournament this year, is set to compete in the doubles category as well. Meanwhile, Aryna Sabalenka, the current World No. 1, is gearing up for the clay-court season after her recent successes. Sabalenka, eyeing to defend her 2025 Madrid crown, has a strong track record in the Spanish capital, with multiple final appearances and title wins in recent years.
