Venus Williams denied in Austin as Tomljanovic upends veteran; Galfi halts Andreescu comeback
Ajla Tomljanovic came from 3-1 down to end venus williams' ATX Open challenge in the first round, while Dalma Galfi overcame Bianca Andreescu in a three-set rollercoaster that brought mixed fortunes for the wild cards in Austin.
Venus Williams denied in Austin first round
Tomljanovic recovered from a slow start to defeat Venus Williams 6-4, 6-1 in the ATX Open first round. The 32-year-old Australian trailed 3-1 in the opening set before shifting momentum, closing out the set 6-4 and taking control in the second set to finish the match 6-1. Venus, playing as a wildcard, started strongly but could not convert key opportunities late in the first set and was broken at decisive moments in the second.
Match details: momentum swings and signature moments
The match featured a vintage early burst from the 45-year-old, who broke immediately and consolidated for 2-0 after nailing a pair of trademark winners and taking advantage of consecutive Tomljanovic double faults. Tomljanovic, who had not previously faced Venus, fought back as Venus failed to convert two points to hold for 4-2 and later failed to convert two points to level at 5-5. A wildly spun sliced winner from Tomljanovic that caught the top of the tape proved pivotal. In the second set Tomljanovic won two key multi-deuce games, saving two break points to hold for 2-1 and converting her fourth break point to build a decisive 5-1 lead.
Tomljanovic reflects on channeling past highs
Tomljanovic, who admitted to pre-match nerves and described Venus as an inspiration, referenced a notable past match as a mental template. Four years ago she added her name to tennis history by becoming the last player to defeat Serena before Serena's retirement, and that Arthur Ashe tilt remains a memory she channels. Tomljanovic said she tries to summon the mindset she had in that earlier match and that playing the Williams sisters brings out her best mentally.
Implications for the draw and Jovic's path
The result ensured there would be no inter-generational second-round meeting between Venus and No. 2 seed Iva Jovic. Jovic advanced 6-3, 6-4 over Anna Blinkova and will face Tomljanovic for the first time. When Jovic was born in December 2007, Venus was already a six-time major champion and was ranked No. 8 after compiling a 50-11 record that season.
Galfi ends Andreescu's return in three-set classic
Dalma Galfi defeated Bianca Andreescu 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 in a match that lasted 2 hours and 11 minutes. Andreescu, the 2019 US Open champion and a fellow wildcard, was playing her first WTA main-draw match since Tokyo last October. The match was a rollercoaster: Andreescu bounced back from a slow start, used fine net play to overturn a 4-2 deficit to take the second set, and in the third saved two match points and held two points to level at 5-5 after being 5-2 down. Galfi then raised her level and found a series of winners late in the deciding set, closing out the win. The final sentence of the match report is incomplete and unclear in the provided context.
Andreescu's recent lead-up and broader context
In January Andreescu opted against playing the Australian swing, instead compiling a 13-1 record at ITF level including two titles. Tomljanovic's win over Venus made her one of only two players to be undefeated against both Williams sisters; the other is Bianca Andreescu.
Venus Williams' form and schedule heading into Austin
venus williams returned to tennis last summer after a 16-month break and won on her comeback in Washington DC against Peyton Stearns. Despite that comeback victory, she had struggled for momentum entering the ATX Open and carried a 0-3 record for the 2026 season. Her season began at the ASB Classic in Auckland with a first-match loss to Magda Linette, followed by defeat to Tatjana Maria at the Hobart International and a first-round exit at the Australian Open against Olga Danilovic. Williams accepted a wildcard for the ATX Open and said she had been enjoying the process, putting herself in good positions and using match feedback to work on the practice court. She also entered the doubles draw alongside Peyton Stearns, set to meet Taylor Townsend and Storm Hunter.
Legacy, fan support and wildcards
The coverage noted that Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and a firm fan favorite at 45 years old, can expect continued wildcard opportunities despite recent results. Observers praised her willingness to take on events and finish matches with respect for opponents, arguing that both women's and men's tennis should seek to feature their superstars and that Williams remains one of those figures even amid decline.
