Venus Williams' potential final singles match at the US Open concluded in the early hours of Wednesday morning, with the 46-year-old veteran falling to fellow American Sofia Kenin 6-2, 7-6.
Williams, a wild card entry into the tournament, battled back from a 4-2 deficit in the second set and held seven set points before ultimately dropping the final six points of the match. The contest concluded at 2:01 a.m. local time.
This appearance marks the latest chapter in Williams' storied career at Flushing Meadows, where she has achieved significant success over the years. While her singles run may have ended, Williams is scheduled to compete in the doubles tournament alongside her sister, Serena.
The Williams sisters have a formidable record in US Open doubles, having won the title in 1999 and 2009. They have compiled a 27-7 record across nine appearances together. Their last doubles appearance at the event was in 2022, which was anticipated to be Serena's final match.
Serena Williams, who previously competed in mixed doubles with Carlos Alcaraz, returned to tennis this summer after a four-year hiatus. The sisters had planned to play at Wimbledon earlier this year, but Serena withdrew due to a knee injury. They also played in the Cincinnati Open, where they lost in the first round.
Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, was awarded the final wild card into the singles draw after Venus’ sister, Serena, opted to compete only in doubles this year. Kenin secured the first set in 30 minutes before Williams mounted her comeback attempt in the second.
The combined doubles success of Venus and Serena Williams includes 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and Olympic gold medals in 2000, 2008, and 2012. They also held the No. 1 ranking in women's doubles for eight weeks.
