“Venus Williams looks to Roland Garros after defeat in Madrid.”

Venus Williams does not hide her burning desire to make a strong return to the Roland Garros, even after a tough defeat at the Madrid Open. At 45 years old, the tennis legend is approaching the 2026 season with a clear plan: to secure a direct invitation to the second Grand Slam of the season, following a discreet appearance in the Spanish capital, which was more seen as a test than a final objective.

The former Grand Slam champion revealed that the Italian Open, a crucial opportunity to gain momentum on clay, will be off her calendar due to personal commitments. “I’m really super sad that I can’t play in Rome, especially because my husband is Italian and we have a very special connection to the country,” confessed the American star, emphasizing the significance of this absence at a key moment in her preparation for Paris.

The return to clay in Madrid did not go as expected. Williams fell in the first round, defeated 6-2, 6-4 by young Spanish prospect Kaitlin Quevedo, who is just 20 years old and ranked outside the top 100. This result extends the veteran’s negative streak, which now totals ten consecutive losses, highlighting the difficulties in maintaining competitive rhythm against opponents who are more active on the circuit.

Despite the defeat, Venus was firm in her assessment of her performance: “The stadium always has an incredible energy. After so many years, it was great to step onto that court again. I felt that in the last match I started to move better on clay, but it was already too late.” The American also highlighted the complications caused by adverse weather conditions, which affected both players and hindered the consistency of their shots from the baseline.

Williams admitted that adapting to clay is a slow process, especially after a long absence and the complicated transition from the fast-court circuit. “I started training on clay a few weeks after Miami; I haven’t played on this surface in years. But I like it; I find it fun. Today I faced a very inspired opponent who played with focus and intensity,” she stated.

With her absence in Rome confirmed, the total focus is now on Roland Garros, where Venus hopes to secure a wildcard to continue her limited campaign on clay. This situation underscores the importance of training and preparation outside of tournaments, as the lack of competition between Madrid and Paris could be an obstacle to her performance.

In addition to her singles competition, the American remains active on the circuit through doubles play. In Madrid, she will team up with British player Katie Boulter, a partnership that arose at the initiative of the young tennis player’s team and which Venus accepted enthusiastically. “She asked to play together, or it was her coach, I want to believe it was her. I’m very happy to say yes. Katie has incredible energy, a fighter’s attitude. I’m looking forward to playing together because I believe our energies will combine perfectly,” she stated.

Venus Williams remains determined to make her mark on her return, even while facing the natural difficulties of such a long career and a surface that requires constant adaptation. The 2026 Roland Garros could be the ideal stage to show that, despite her age and obstacles, the legend is far from giving up.

This article first appeared on Apito Final.