Full Breakdown
Venus Williams Falls to Kamilla Rakhimova in Rain-Delayed Opening Match at 2026 National Bank Open
8/3/2026, 12:27:48 PM
Core Event
On the opening day of the women’s main draw at the 2026 National Bank Open in Toronto, former world No. 1 Venus Williams lost to Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova, 6-4, 6-1. The match began after a rain delay that pushed the scheduled 12:30 p.m. start to the early afternoon and concluded after 1 hour 27 minutes of play.
Background & Context
Williams entered the WTA 1000 event as a singles wild-card. The 46-year-old seven-time Grand Slam champion has not recorded a main-draw win since July 2025, extending a 12-match losing streak. Rakhimova, also a wild-card, is 24 and ranked No. 82. The National Bank Open expanded to a 96-player field in 2026, running at Sobeys Stadium.
Data & Statistics
- Final score: 6-4, 6-1 to Rakhimova.
- Match duration: 1 hour 27 minutes.
- Williams’ ranking: No. 664.
- Rakhimova’s ranking: No. 82.
- Williams’ consecutive losses: 12 matches dating back to July 2025.
Official Statements & Responses
Williams emphasized her continued focus, saying she approaches the sport with the same work ethic and drive as before. Rakhimova expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play against a legend, noting she tried to enjoy the experience regardless of the result. Tournament officials confirmed that heavy rain forced the cancellation of the evening session, postponing the scheduled Bianca Andreescu-Nikola Bartunkova match to the following day.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We play outside ... you can't control the weather,” — Venus Williams
- “Playing Venus is not an everyday experience,” — Kamilla Rakhimova
- “I come at it the same way, the same amount of work, same focus, same drive,” — Venus Williams
On-the-Ground Reports
Spectators gave Williams a standing ovation after the match, encouraging her throughout the contest despite the weather-related interruptions.
Why It Matters / Impact
The opening match pitted a veteran against a rising player, highlighting the depth of the field and the potential for lower-ranked wild-cards to make early impacts. Williams’ loss extended a year-long winless run, underscoring the competitive gap that can develop with age and limited match play. The rain-induced schedule changes also affected the tournament’s evening program, pushing several matches, including the Canadian favorite Andreescu’s, to the next day.
What’s Next
The cancelled night session will be rescheduled for Monday, with the Andreescu-Bartunkova match moved accordingly. The women’s draw continues with seeded players receiving first-round byes, and the tournament proceeds through its run at Sobeys Stadium.
