Another wild card entry blew up in the face of 43-year-old Venus Williams as the seven-time Grand Slam winner lost 6-3, 6-3 on Tuesday to teenaged Diana Shnaider on opening day at the Miami Masters.

Williams is nil-for-two in matches after also losing her opening match in Indian Wells.

The 457th-ranked American veteran whose career is now reduced to part-time was playing her 85th main draw match at her home event, while No. 62 Shnaider, winner in Hua Hin in early February, was on her first.

.Williams had her moment of glory as she took a temporary early break in the second set before going down to the loss after 22 winners from her opponent.

Shnaider next takes on another American, facing Madison Keys in the second round.

Paula Badosa will bid for a successful debut on the unorthodox pink courts of next week’s WTA Hua Hin event as the former No. 2 makes her competitive debut in Thailand.

The Spaniard who is returning from injury won two rounds at the Australian Open last week and is trying to lift a ranking which has fallen to 100.

“People are very nice, the hospitality is amazing. I’ve enjoyed the last few days and now I’m looking forward to getting started,” said said in the run-up at the Thai beach resorts favoured by the country’s royalty.

The playing surface at the venue is hard to miss: “The pink courts are really different and hopefully next week I can play a lot of matches on them,” Badosa said.

“Conditions are totally different from Australia; it’s humid here and the courts are playing a little bit slower, plus there is a little bit more wind.

“So it’s going to be a challenge but I’m looking forward to it.”
 

Ajla Tomljanivoc has put aside the bitter disappointment of an Australian Open second-round shock and his hoping to regain her tennis momentum with a return to the WTA courts in Thailand.

The Aussie will compete in next week’s Hua Hin tournament in the oceanside resort centre as a wild card entry.

Also in the field: former No.2 Paola Badosa of Spain, 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria of Germany, and Czech teen Linda Fruhvirtova. 

China’s Zhu Lin is defending the 250-level title.

“It feels great to be back here,” Tomljanovic, 2019 Thai finalist, said. “I just remember having the best time here. 

“I also remember visiting some elephants – to this day I still remember the elephant’s name, Boonui.

“I’m just excited for the food, for the culture and everything that comes with this amazing event.”

Tomljanovic, once ranked 32nd, made a return to action this month at the United Cup and the Open 

“There is work to be done; every match I’ve played (this year) I feel like I’ve improved.” .