Venus Williams and Serena Williams returned to the Grand Slam stage at the US Open on Friday, delivering a vintage display of shot-making and flair despite a dramatic first-round defeat in the women’s doubles draw. Playing together at Flushing Meadows for the first time since 2022, the pair fell in a three-set marathon, 6-3, 6-7 (8/6), 7-6 (10/7), against Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint.
Playing before a vocal crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Venus and Serena proved they were not merely participating for sentiment. At 46 and 44 years old respectively, Venus and Serena accepted a tournament wildcard and pushed their opponents to the absolute limit across a grueling three-hour and two-minute encounter. The match featured reflex volleys from Serena, who punctuated several winners with roars, alongside classic baseline poise from Venus.
A Marathon Battle on Arthur Ashe Stadium
The atmosphere in New York crackled from the opening game as fans rushed to catch the sisters back in tandem. The Williams pair had not played a Grand Slam event as a duo since their 2022 appearance at the US Open. Their last match victory as a pair came over eight years ago at Roland-Garros in 2018.
Facing off against Hao-Ching Chan and Australia’s Maya Joint, the veterans dropped the opening set 6-3. Rather than fading, they mounted a fierce charge in the second frame. Displaying remarkable coordination and court coverage, they struck 20 winners in the second set alone before edging out a tight tie-break 8-6 to force a decider.
The Third-Set Tie-Break Collapse
The momentum reached its peak in the third set. After trading breaks and recovering from a 4-2 deficit, Venus and Serena seized control during the tie-break. They surged ahead to a 5-0 lead, leaving the crowd roaring as a potential fairytale comeback loomed.
However, Chan and Joint dug deep, utilizing a late-match resurgence to claw back into the contest. The pairing rattled off 10 of the final 12 points to claim the tie-break 10-7, sealing the victory after three hours and two minutes of intense tennis.
What Lies Ahead After Flushing Meadows
While the defeat brings an immediate end to their doubles campaign in New York, the performance underscored the enduring competitive drive of two athletes who have redefined tennis. Tournament organizers and fans alike witnessed a reminder of the duo that claimed the US Open women’s doubles crown in 1999 and 2009.
As the tournament progresses, the singles draws continue at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with official schedule updates and daily orders of play available directly through the official US Open website.
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