Overview
- Serena and Venus Williams were defeated by Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in a close first‑round match at the Cincinnati Open, dropping a match tiebreak 2‑6, 6‑1, 8‑10.
- The pairing marked the sisters’ first doubles match together in four years and served as part of Serena’s limited return to match play this season.
- Serena, who injured her knee at Wimbledon and withdrew from that event’s doubles, showed active movement in Cincinnati and reported no fresh injury after the match.
- Former players and peers reacted positively about the appearance: Kim Clijsters praised Serena’s progress, Chris Eubanks predicted the sisters will play doubles at the US Open, and Kostyuk called Serena’s praise an honour.
- Tournament reporting says the USTA has held a discretionary slot that could be used for Serena, doubles entries are likely for the sisters, and unconfirmed reports suggest a possible mixed pairing with Carlos Alcaraz if both players are fit.