Venus Williams’ 26th US Open singles campaign came to an end in the first round after the 46-year-old lost to fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York. Kenin secured a 6-2, 7-6 (6) victory in a match that began after midnight and stretched into the early hours of Monday.
The contest started at 12:13 a.m. local time, making it the latest-starting match in US Open history. It eventually finished at 2:01 a.m., setting another tournament record as the latest finish for a first-round match. The unusual schedule added another challenge for both players, who had spent hours waiting to take the court.
For Williams, the defeat extended a difficult singles run. She has now lost 14 consecutive singles matches since her most recent victory in Washington in July 2025. The result also marked her sixth straight singles defeat at the US Open since she last recorded a first-round victory in 2019.
Sofia Kenin Dominates Opening Set
Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, made the stronger start and quickly took control of the match. She needed only 32 minutes to win the first set 6-2 as Williams struggled to find consistency.
The second set, however, was far more competitive. Williams began producing stronger groundstrokes and took advantage of mistakes from her opponent. After trailing 4-2, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion fought her way back into the contest and forced the set into a tiebreak.
Williams had chances to extend the match but was unable to convert crucial opportunities. Kenin held her nerve during the closing stages and eventually completed the victory 7-6 (6).
The win was also an important milestone for Kenin, who had entered the match without a victory in five previous US Open night-session appearances.
Historic Midnight Start Adds to Drama
Williams and Kenin were forced to wait significantly longer than expected because the match scheduled before them lasted more than four and a half hours.
There had been uncertainty over whether their contest would be shifted to another court, but they eventually remained at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 12:13 a.m. start surpassed the tournament’s previous record for the latest beginning to a match. Competing so deep into the night created unusual conditions for both players, with rhythm, recovery and concentration becoming additional challenges.
Williams later acknowledged that the timing was far from ideal, but said she continued trying to find her best tennis throughout the match. She felt there were several encouraging moments, particularly during her second-set comeback.
Venus Williams Keeps Retirement Decision on Hold
The defeat immediately raised questions about whether this could have been Williams’ final Grand Slam singles appearance.
However, the former world No. 1 was not ready to discuss retirement. Her immediate attention remains on recovering and preparing for doubles competition later in the tournament alongside her sister Serena Williams.
Williams remains one of the most successful players of her generation. She won the US Open singles championship in 2000 and 2001 and captured five Wimbledon singles titles between 2000 and 2008. Her seven Grand Slam singles trophies, along with her longevity in professional tennis, have secured her place among the sport’s most influential champions.
Although her latest singles campaign ended earlier than she hoped, Williams continued to receive strong support from the New York crowd. For now, her focus remains on the tournament ahead rather than deciding when her remarkable career will finally come to an end.
