Tatjana Maria Reacts to First-Ever Match Against Venus Williams: 'We're Neighbors, I Know Her Very Well'

A Unique Clash: Tatjana Maria, 38, Faces Venus Williams for the First Time, Her Neighbor and Her Children's Idol

© AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 13/01/2026 à 17h01

1 min to read

Hobart Maria Tatjana Williams Venus

Venus Williams was present at the WTA 250 tournament in Hobart. The 45-year-old American legend faced Tatjana Maria in the first round overnight from Monday to Tuesday.

In the end, it was the 38-year-old German, who was unusually playing against an older opponent, who won in two sets (6-4, 6-3). The world No. 42, who had never played against Williams before, shared her experience facing the American after the match.

'Facing Her Was a Huge Honor'

'Everyone loves Venus (Williams), I love her too! My daughters are fans of Venus, so it was difficult. They told me they were still rooting for me, but... Charlotte (one of her daughters) was so happy.

Her first reaction was: "It's amazing, I'm going to see Venus play against you." We live across from each other, we are neighbors, I know her very well. Facing her was a huge honor, because I had never done it before,' said Maria, who will face Anna Bondar in the round of 16, to the BBC.