Particle.news
Get it on Google Play
Download on the App Store
29 ARTICLES
·
10h ago

Venus Williams Loses First‑Round Singles Match at US Open

The straight‑sets defeat extends her 14‑match singles skid and leaves the Williams sisters entered in the doubles draw as wild‑card entrants.

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 31, 2026 Sofia Kenin of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Venus Williams of the U.S. IMAGN IMAGES via REUTERS/Robert Deutsch
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 31, 2026 Venus Williams of the U.S. acknowledges the crowd after losing her first round match against Sofia Kenin of the U.S. IMAGN IMAGES via REUTERS/Geoff Burke
Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 31, 2026 Sofia Kenin of the U.S. shakes hands with Venus Williams of the U.S. after winning her first round match IMAGN IMAGES via REUTERS/Geoff Burke
Image

Overview

  • Venus Williams was beaten by fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin 6-2, 7-6 (6) in a first‑round match that finished in the early hours of Monday at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
  • The loss is Williams’ 14th consecutive singles defeat dating to her last win in July 2025 and may mark her final Grand Slam singles appearance unless she chooses to continue.
  • Their match started shortly after midnight because Novak Djokovic’s 4‑hour, 36‑minute marathon delayed the schedule, producing the latest start and latest first‑round finish in US Open history.
  • Venus and Serena remain entered in the women’s doubles as wild‑card recipients, a decision that continues to draw attention for its promotional value and its effect on opportunities for lower‑ranked players.
  • Tournament coverage has emphasized player fitness and comebacks, heavy first‑round betting and late finish times, with Novak Djokovic’s marathon and Carlos Alcaraz’s return from a four‑month layoff cited as shaping the opening day narrative.