Venus Williams vs Magda Linette preview, head-to-head, odds, prediction, and betting tips | ASB Classic 2026

Match Details

Fixture: Venus Williams vs (5) Magda Linette

Date: January 5, 2026

Tournament: 2026 ASB Classic

Round: First Round (Round of 32)

Venue: ASB Tennis Centre, Auckland, New Zealand

Category: WTA 250

Surface: Hard

Prize Money: $283,347

Live Telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | UK - Sky UK | Canada - TSN

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Venus Williams vs Magda Linette preview

Venus Williams at the Charlotte Invitational 2025 - Source: Getty

World No. 148 Williams is set to play in her 33rd consecutive season in 2026 after beginning her professional career in 1994. This will be her seventh appearance at the ASB Classic, and she is set to take on an experienced World No. 54 Linette.

In the past two years, Williams has played six matches, winning just one. Meanwhile, Linette held a 21-25 record in 2025. She is also on a lengthy losing run, and both competitors will be hoping to break their duck early in the season.

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Venus Williams vs Magda Linette head-to-head

Williams leads the head-to-head record against Linette 2-0. Their rivalry dates back almost 10 years, as both their encounters came in 2016. Williams defeated Linette 6-1, 6-2 in the Billie Jean King Cup, then known as the Fed Cup, before winning 6-3, 6-7, 6-2 in Stanford.

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Venus Williams vs Magda Linette odds

(Odds will be updated when available)

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Venus Williams vs Magda Linette prediction

Magda Linette at the Cincinnati Open 2025 - Source: Getty

Williams enjoyed a memorable off-season, getting married and competing at the Charlotte Invitational, where she returned to singles play. Meanwhile, Linette wrapped up her 2025 season early due to burnout and health issues, choosing to rest and recover before preparing for the 2026 season.

Linette enters the match as the clear favorite based on recent form and match fitness. The Pole has been competing regularly and brings solid baseline consistency and movement, which should test Williams over longer rallies.

While the 45-year-old's serve and experience can still trouble opponents in patches, sustaining that level may be difficult. Linette is expected to absorb the pressure, extend points, and gradually take control. A straight-sets win for Linette looks the most likely outcome, though the American could have her moments.

Pick: Linette to win in straight sets.

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Venus Williams vs Magda Linette betting tips

Tip 1: Williams to win more than 6 games.

Tip 2: Linette to win in straight sets.

Tip 3: Total games over 17.

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Edited by Aliasgar Ayaz