Overview

• Williams lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to No. 11 seed Karolína Muchová on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking the second set before fading in the decider.
• The match marked her record-extending 25th U.S. Open main-draw appearance and made her the oldest singles player at the event since 1981.
• She earned entry via a USTA wild card after about 16 months away and surgery for uterine fibroids, entering ranked around No. 600.
• Fans gave Williams a standing ovation as she exited, and Muchová praised sharing the court with a “legend” in a charged atmosphere.
• Williams left longer-term plans open but indicated she is unlikely to compete again this season due to reluctance to travel.