Venus Williams exits Guangzhou Open doubles semis with Tjen after 8-year wait
Synopsis
At 46, Venus Williams reached her first WTA doubles semifinal in eight years at the Guangzhou Open — only to fall agonisingly after saving four match points. The defeat adds to a 16-match singles losing streak, yet a Hong Kong wildcard confirms she is far from done.
Key Takeaways
Venus Williams and Janice Tjen lost the Guangzhou Open doubles semifinal to Polina Kudermetova and Maria Timofeeva 6-4, 6-7 (8), 10-6 on 31 October .
It was Williams' first WTA Tour doubles semifinal in eight years , dating back to the 2016 Olympics and Wimbledon .
The pair saved four match points and led 6-5 in the match tie-break before losing the final five points.
Williams, 46 , has now lost 16 consecutive singles matches on tour since July 2025 .
She has been awarded a wildcard for next week's tournament in Hong Kong .
Venus Williams and her doubles partner Janice Tjen fell at the semifinal stage of the Guangzhou Open on Saturday, 31 October, losing to Polina Kudermetova and Maria Timofeeva in a gruelling one-hour, 45-minute contest that ended 6-4, 6-7 (8), 10-6. The defeat ended what was Williams' first WTA Tour doubles semifinal in eight years — a milestone that underscored both her remarkable longevity and the steep climb back to the top.
How the Match Unfolded
The American-Indonesian pair showed considerable fight throughout, saving four match points — including three consecutive points at 6-3 in the tie-break — to force a match tie-break decider. Williams and Tjen even raced to a 6-5 lead in the match tie-break, threatening what would have been a remarkable comeback.
However, Kudermetova and Timofeeva steadied their nerves to win the final five consecutive points and close out the match. The Williams-Tjen pair converted just two of 11 break points across the match, while being broken three times themselves — a stat that ultimately proved decisive.
Historic Significance for Williams
This was the 46-year-old's first WTA Tour doubles semifinal since the 2016 Olympics and Wimbledon, and her first last-four appearance of any kind since Indian Wells 2018. The run with Tjen offered a rare glimpse of the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion competing deep into a WTA draw — something that has become increasingly uncommon in recent seasons.
Notably, Williams had already exited the singles draw in the first round, falling to teenager Lilli Tagger by a commanding 6-2, 6-2. It was her first singles match since the US Open 2026, where she lost to Sofia Kenin in the opening round. Williams has now lost 16 consecutive singles matches on tour, a run that stretches back to July 2025.
What Happens Next in Guangzhou
Kudermetova and Timofeeva will contest the doubles final against Cho I-hsuan and Yi Tsen Cho of Chinese Taipei, who defeated Zhibek Kulambayeva and Isabelle Haverlag in their semifinal. The final promises a competitive contest between two pairs who have been in strong form throughout the tournament.
Williams' Road Ahead
Despite the defeat, Williams is not stepping away. She has reportedly been handed a wildcard for next week's tournament in Hong Kong, where she is expected to compete. At 46, her continued presence on the WTA circuit remains a talking point — a combination of sporting legacy and questions about where her game stands against the current generation.
Point of View
Set against a 16-match singles losing streak that raises hard questions about longevity at the highest level. The wildcard invitations keep coming — and she keeps accepting them — but the gap between her singles results and the current WTA field is widening. The real story is not the defeat; it is what it says about how governing bodies and tournament directors weigh legacy against competitive integrity when handing out wildcards.
NationPress
31 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of Venus Williams' Guangzhou Open doubles semifinal?
Venus Williams and Janice Tjen lost to Polina Kudermetova and Maria Timofeeva 6-4, 6-7 (8), 10-6 on 31 October. The match lasted one hour and 45 minutes, with the Williams-Tjen pair saving four match points before ultimately falling in the match tie-break.
When was Venus Williams' last WTA Tour doubles semifinal before Guangzhou?
Williams' last WTA Tour doubles semifinal before Guangzhou was at the 2016 Olympics and Wimbledon. Her last last-four appearance of any kind on tour prior to this was at Indian Wells in 2018.
How has Venus Williams been performing in singles recently?
Williams has lost 16 consecutive singles matches on the WTA Tour, a streak that began in July 2025. At Guangzhou, she lost in the first round to teenager Lilli Tagger 6-2, 6-2, her first singles match since the US Open 2026.
Who will contest the Guangzhou Open doubles final?
Polina Kudermetova and Maria Timofeeva will face Cho I-hsuan and Yi Tsen Cho of Chinese Taipei in the final. The Chinese Taipei pair defeated Zhibek Kulambayeva and Isabelle Haverlag in the other semifinal.
What is next for Venus Williams after the Guangzhou Open?
Williams has been handed a wildcard for next week's tournament in Hong Kong, where she is expected to compete. At 46, she continues to be active on the WTA circuit despite her recent singles struggles.
