Overview
- Serena and Venus Williams were beaten by Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in Cincinnati in a close match decided by a match‑tiebreak, 2-6, 6-1, 8-10.
- The doubles match was the sisters' first together since the 2022 US Open and followed Serena's June comeback to the tour and a Wimbledon knee setback that slowed her recovery.
- Organizers reported a full Grandstand and an emotional reception as fans greeted the long-awaited return of the storied duo.
- Serena said the priority for the short comeback is enjoyment and assessing her body rather than chasing titles, and the pair have signaled they will play together at the upcoming US Open.
- Together the sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals, a record that makes any return a major draw for fans and the tour and may shape how Serena manages tournament play going forward.