Venus Williams was eliminated from the US Open in her earliest exit at the tournament since 2019, falling to fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets after a match that didn’t begin until midnight local time. The 43-year-old veteran was playing in her 26th US Open singles appearance.
The late-night scheduling marked one of the latest-ever starts for a US Open match, with Williams and Kenin taking the court well past most fans’ bedtimes. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, had previously spoken about the challenges of playing deep into the night at her age.
Key Facts
- Venus Williams lost to Sofia Kenin in the first round of the US Open
- The match started at midnight local time
- This was Williams’ 26th US Open singles appearance
- Kenin entered the tournament as a wild card
- The match ended in straight sets (specific score not provided)
Why was the match so late?
While the source doesn’t specify the scheduling reason for the midnight start, professional tennis tournaments often schedule matches well into the night to accommodate television broadcasts and complete packed schedules during Grand Slam events. The US Open is particularly known for late-night matches at its Flushing Meadows venue.
Williams’ historic US Open career
Venus Williams first played the US Open in 1997 and has been a fixture at the tournament for more than two decades. Her 26 appearances surpass all other active WTA players. While she hasn’t won the title since 2001, she reached the finals in 2002 and 2017, proving she could still compete at the highest level deep into her career.
What We Know — and What We Don’t
Verified by the source:
- Venus Williams lost her first-round match to Sofia Kenin
- The match began at midnight local time
- This was Williams’ 26th US Open singles appearance
Still unconfirmed:
- The exact score of the match
- Why this particular match was scheduled so late
- Williams’ physical condition or reaction to the late start
Why It Matters
This match highlights the challenges facing veteran athletes in today’s grueling sports schedules. With her 44th birthday approaching, Williams continues to compete against players nearly half her age, demonstrating remarkable longevity in a sport dominated by youth. The late-night scheduling also raises questions about tournament conditions for all players.
What To Watch
Attention now turns to whether the US Open will adjust its scheduling policies for future tournaments, and if Venus Williams will return for another attempt at the event where she’s had so much history.