Former world number one Venus Williams lost her 16th singles match in a row as she was beaten by an opponent 28 years younger at the Guangzhou Open.

The 46-year-old American, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, was beaten 6-2 6-2 by 18-year-old Lilli Tagger on Tuesday.

It is the biggest age gap between opponents in a WTA match this decade and among the largest in tour-level history.

Williams, ranked 599th in the world, has not won a match since July 2025 and relies on wildcards to play WTA tournaments.

This latest defeat continues the debate over whether she deserves them.

Some within the sport argue Williams is taking spots from younger players trying to develop their careers, but tournament organisers see the commercial value of inviting an all-time great.

The Guangzhou fans clearly appreciated the chance to see the American superstar. A sizeable and enthusiastic crowd encouraged Williams and gave a huge ovation as she walked off court.

Williams won six of her Grand Slam singles titles – plus 30 WTA tournaments – before Austria’s Tagger was born in February 2008.

Tagger’s coach Francesca Schiavone – the Italian former world number four who won the 2010 French Open – is the same age as Williams, and lost all eight meetings with the American during her playing career.

“When I saw the draw I was super excited and a bit nervous – I respect her a lot,” said Tagger, who is 53rd in the world.

“It is funny she used to play with my coach. I would love to play at this age – I want to congratulate her.”

While the straight-set scoreline will embolden the critics, Williams did make Tagger – a rising talent who is predicted to have a bright future at the very top – work hard.

However, the teenager proved far too good. The 2025 French Open girls’ champion was superb on serve – dropping just seven service points and not facing a break point – while handling Williams’ pace and crushing groundstrokes off both wings.

Tagger broke her illustrious opponent’s serve twice – for 1-0 and 5-2 leads – in two almost identical sets.

At times, Williams was able to use her powerful serve to get out of trouble – fighting off 12 of 16 break points – and the veteran’s trademark competitive spirit never wavered.

But it was another example of how far behind the rest of the tour she now is.