Venus Williams' 13-match singles losing streak continues with 6-2, 6-2 defeat to qualifier

At the Lindner Tennis Center in Mason, Ohio, Venus Williams suffered a 6-2, 6-2 loss to 25-year-old qualifier Emiliana Arango, extending her singles defeat run to 13 matches. Entering the Cincinnati Open on a wild-card, Williams failed to hold serve in the opening game and could not capitalize on a later break opportunity, while Arango converted four of five break points and won the majority of her first-serve points. The Colombian, ranked 95th, will face No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek in the second round.

Williams' last singles victory came in Washington last year against Peyton Stearns. Despite the setback, she will remain to play doubles with sister Serena, having received a wild-card for the pair, and they will open against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. Williams also mentioned an upcoming mixed-doubles partnership with Alexander Bublik at the U.S. Open.