Venus Williams’ first-round match at her record 26th US Open concluded early on Monday morning, as she faced a defeat against fellow American Sofia Kenin with scores of 6-2, 7-6 (6). The match commenced at 12:13 a.m. local time at Arthur Ashe Stadium, following a lengthy delay caused by Novak Djokovic’s lengthy encounter with Mariano Navone, which lasted four hours and 36 minutes.

This late start established a new record for the US Open, occurring six minutes later than the previous record set in 2024 during a match between Aryna Sabalenka and Ekaterina Alexandrova. The unprecedented timing of the match raised concerns regarding scheduling, as Williams and Kenin had to wait into the night before taking the court.

The match eventually concluded at 2:01 a.m. local time, marking the latest finish for a first-round match in the history of the US Open. The duration of the match also tied for the third-latest finish for a women’s match throughout the tournament’s history.

Venus Williams’ Recent Performance

This recent defeat adds to the growing number of challenges for Williams, who is now facing a streak of 15 consecutive singles losses. The last time she claimed victory was in July 2025 at a tournament in Washington. At the US Open, she has not won a match since her opening contest in 2019, having lost six consecutive matches at this major event.

Although the match resulted in a disappointing outcome for Williams, she demonstrated resilience during the second set, battling back from 4-2 down to force a tiebreak. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium showed support, hoping to witness a turnaround. Despite her determined effort and impressive shots, Williams fell short, ultimately hitting into the net to conclude the match.

Following the match, Williams refrained from reflecting on her future in singles. When questioned about her next steps, she stated, “I don’t think I should have to. My mind is fully focused on that: how I recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one.”

Looking Ahead: Doubles Opportunity

Despite the setback in singles, there remains a chance for Williams to compete further at Flushing Meadows. She is scheduled to participate in the doubles event alongside her sister, Serena Williams. The prospect of teaming up in the doubles competition provides an opportunity for a different kind of engagement in the tournament.

Kenin, the victor of the first-round match, acknowledged Williams’ strong performance during their encounter, saying, “Venus obviously was playing some amazing tennis. I just tried to keep fighting.” Kenin noted that she experienced some nerves but focused on staying strong throughout the match.

The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, with fans eager to support Williams throughout her challenging matchup. The unique circumstances surrounding the match timings added to the overall intensity of the event, marking another noteworthy chapter in Williams’ illustrious career.

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