The US Open has marked a bittersweet chapter for the iconic Williams sisters, as Venus and Serena Williams faced a heartbreaking exit in the first round of the women’s doubles event. The duo, known for their remarkable achievements in tennis, lost a thrilling match on Friday to the 14th-seeded pair of Maya Joint and Hao-ching Chan, with a final score of 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 after an intense three-hour battle.
With Serena opting out of the singles draw and Venus suffering an early exit in her singles match against Sofia Kenin, this year’s tournament will be a singular experience for the sisters at Flushing Meadows. Serena also participated in the mixed doubles last week, where she had a mixed bag of results alongside Carlos Alcaraz, winning one match but ultimately falling short in another.
Joint and Chan will advance to the second round, where they will face Nicole Fossa Huergo and Tamara Korpatsch. The defeat for the Williams sisters highlights a stark contrast to their past successes, having previously clinched two doubles titles at the US Open in 1999 and 2009. At 46 and 44 years old, respectively, Venus and Serena have faced challenges on the court, particularly with Serena's limited competitive play over the past few months.
Despite their struggles, the match showcased moments of brilliance from the sisters. As the match progressed, they gained momentum, even taking a commanding 5-0 lead in the decisive tiebreak. However, Joint and Chan mounted a remarkable comeback, overcoming the crowd's support for the Williams sisters.
Serena appeared to struggle initially, failing to deliver consistent first serves and falling behind in the first set, which allowed their opponents to seize the early advantage. The second set saw a shift in dynamics, with both teams holding serve until the tiebreak, where the Williams sisters found their rhythm and secured a win, forcing a decisive third set.
The thrilling final set was marked by back-and-forth exchanges, with both teams trading breaks. Venus particularly shone during the latter stages of the match, demonstrating her enduring skill and competitive spirit.
With this loss, the combined record of the Williams sisters stands at 4-24 in singles and doubles for the year 2026, excluding the mixed doubles event. Notably, Joint has been a significant hurdle for Serena, having defeated her in their only singles match this year. The sisters had previously lost their only other doubles match together in Cincinnati, further emphasizing the challenges they have faced in their recent endeavors.
Despite the setbacks, both Venus and Serena continue to play, driven by their passion for tennis and competition. However, their recent performances have led to a reliance on wild-card entries for tournament participation, a situation that may not change soon given their current form. Looking ahead, the future for both players remains uncertain, yet their legacy in tennis is firmly established. Even in defeat, they managed to deliver memorable moments that resonated with their fans, a testament to their enduring impact on the sport.
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