8th-Seeded Venus Williams Loses in First Round at Australian Open

Photo Venus Williams of the United States making a forehand return to Johanna Konta of Britain during their opening-round match. Credit Aaron Favila/Associated Press MELBOURNE, Australia — Venus Williams tried to rally, winning two games and getting another break-point chance after falling a set and 5-0 behind, before her 16th trip to the Australian Open finished in a first-round loss to Johanna Konta on Tuesday.

Williams, 35, a seven-time major winner and the eighth seed, trudged off Rod Laver Arena, waving to the crowd at 1:55 p.m. on the second day of the tournament after a surprising 6-4, 6-2 loss to the No. 47-ranked Konta, a Sydney-born British player who was making her debut in the…