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Venus Williams: Former world number one loses to Lilli Tagger at Guangzhou Open

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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.…

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