Venus Williams' level impresses Magda Linette after Auckland fifth seed pushed to decider

Venus Williams pushed fifth seed Magda Linette in her season opener at the ASB Classic Tuesday afternoon, ultimately falling in a deciding set.

The Pole shook off periods of frustration in Auckland to prevail 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 after two hours and 13 minutes. Linette had dropped her prior two meetings with the seven-time major champion.

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Williams fired seven aces and hung tough with the world No. 52 by hitting her down the line targets when the opportunity presented itself. She held two break points for 3-1 in the final set, before Linette reeled off the final five games of the contest.

“You try to play like any other match, really. Look at the level she brought, she moved really great,” Linette assessed in her on-court interview.

“She was really hitting well, especially when she was running to the open space. It was really impressive and I had to stay calm to make sure that I’m a little bit more solid.”

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A day earlier, Williams took the doubles court alongside Elina Svitolina. The two were knocked out by rising stars Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic.

The 45-year-old is playing a full month of tennis, having accepted a wild card into next week’s Hobart International ahead of the Australian Open. Williams is due to become the oldest woman to compete in a main-draw singles match during the modern era at Melbourne Park, having been awarded a wild card 28 years after her maiden appearance in the 128-player field.

“I didn’t know that!” replied Williams during a press conference ahead of her Auckland bid.

“I’m going to keep up my beauty routine, keep moisturizing. Keep the antioxidants, eat healthy. I’ll be the oldest, good looking, greatest skin woman in the draw hopefully.”

Linette awaits the winner of Elisabetta Cocciaretto and Alycia Parks for a trip to the quarterfinals.