Archive · 31 Aug 2026
Venus Williams Exits US Open After Record Late-Night Loss
Venus Williams lost her US Open singles match to Sofia Kenin.
Kenin won the first set 6-2 in 32 minutes.
Venus played better in the second set and forced a tie-break.
Kenin stayed calm and won the tie-break 8-6.
The match started after midnight because an earlier match lasted more than four hours.
It ended at 2:01 a.m., making it the latest-ending first-round match in US Open history.
Venus was playing in the US Open singles tournament for the 26th time.
Reports differed on whether the defeat was her 14th or 15th straight singles loss.
She will still play doubles with her sister Serena.
Sofia Kenin defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(6) in the US Open first round.
Williams made her 26th US Open main-draw appearance and 96th Grand Slam appearance.
The match began at 12:13 a.m. and ended at 2:01 a.m., setting US Open timing records.
Reports described Williams’ singles losing streak as either 14 or 15 matches, dating to her last win in July 2025.
Williams will continue at the tournament in women’s doubles with her sister Serena after receiving a wildcard.
- Who
- Venus Williams and Sofia Kenin, both American tennis players.
- What
- Kenin defeated Williams 6-2, 7-6(6) in the US Open women’s singles first round.
- When
- The match began at 12:13 a.m. and ended at 2:01 a.m. early Monday morning during the 2026 US Open.
- Where
- Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York.
- Why
- Kenin advanced by winning the match, while Williams was eliminated from the singles draw; the match was delayed by Novak Djokovic’s 4-hour, 36-minute match against Mariano Navone.
Williams’ Perspective
Kenin’s Perspective
Effect of the late start
Williams’ Perspective
Williams said the timing was not ideal for either player and made it difficult to find her rhythm while playing at 1 or 2 a.m.
Kenin’s Perspective
Kenin acknowledged feeling nervous and not being completely comfortable in her game, but said she kept fighting and stayed strong.
The second set
Williams’ Perspective
Williams rallied from 2-4 down, forced a tie-break and created several set points before losing the set.
Kenin’s Perspective
Kenin remained composed in the decisive moments and completed the straight-set victory.
Williams’ future
Williams’ Perspective
Williams said she was focused on recovering and preparing for doubles rather than contemplating her future in tennis.
Kenin’s Perspective
The defeat was described as potentially Williams’ final Grand Slam singles match, but Williams did not say she was retiring.
- Match result
- Sofia Kenin defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(6).
- Williams’ US Open appearances
- 26th main-draw appearance.
- Williams’ Grand Slam appearances
- 96th Grand Slam appearance.
- Historic start
- 12:13 a.m., reported as the latest start for a US Open match.
- Historic finish
- 2:01 a.m., reported as the latest finish for a first-round match in US Open history.
- Williams’ singles record
- Reports described her losing streak as 14 or 15 matches; one report listed her 2026 singles record as 0-12.
- Next event
- Williams will play women’s doubles with Serena Williams after receiving a wildcard.
- Kenin’s next opponent
- No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula.
