Serena and Venus Williams were eliminated in a dramatic first‑round encounter at the US Open women’s doubles, falling to the Australian‑Taiwanese pair of Maya Joint and Chan Hao‑Ching after a marathon three‑hour, two‑minute battle. The match unfolded as a roller‑coaster, with the veteran sisters clawing back to force a third‑set tiebreak after surrendering a 5‑0 lead in the decisive breaker.
Ultimately, Joint and Chan prevailed 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 7-6 (10-7), ending a night that had been charged with nostalgia and high expectations. The Williams sisters were making their first joint Grand Slam appearance since the 2022 US Open, a reunion that came 27 years after they first captured the doubles crown together. Their partnership has produced an astonishing record: 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, two US Open victories, three Olympic gold medals, and an additional 30 Grand Slam singles titles split between them.
The weight of that legacy was palpable as they stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium in front of a crowd of roughly 23,000 fans, each rally echoing decades of dominance. The comeback attempt was sparked, according to Serena, by a suggestion from her daughter, who encouraged her mother to fight for every point. The sisters surged back in the second set, saving multiple break points and eventually clinching the set in a tense tiebreak.
Their resilience was evident when a penetrating volley from Venus was answered by a powerful forehand winner from Serena, prompting a roar from the packed arena. Yet, despite the surge, two crucial service breaks against Serena – whose serve had looked sharp in her recent Wimbledon run and mixed‑doubles match with Carlos Alcaraz – handed Joint the opening set.
Maya Joint, the 20‑year‑old Australian, was already in the spotlight after upsetting Serena on Centre Court at Wimbledon earlier in the tournament. Facing the Williams sisters on the US Open’s biggest stage added another chapter to her rapid rise. "Playing against legends like Serena and Venus is incredibly special," Joint said after the match.
"I grew up watching them in Michigan; they were my idols. To share the court with them twice in one tournament is a dream come true." The match’s third set marked the first time the Williams duo had reached a 5‑5 scoreline in a deciding set since 2001, underscoring how rare such tightly contested moments have become for the sisters. However, the pressure proved too much.
A mis‑timed overhead from Joint floated long, giving the Williamses a chance, but they could not capitalize. Chan Hao‑Ching sealed the victory with a crisp volley that slipped past Serena’s outstretched racket, ending the comeback hopes.
Following the loss, the United States Tennis Association confirmed that the sisters would not be available for comment. Nevertheless, speculation about Serena’s future swirled, especially after ESPN analyst Caroline Wozniacki suggested that Serena may aim to return to singles competition next season, a prospect that would excite fans worldwide. While the Williams sisters’ combined age now totals 90 years, moments throughout the match hinted at the agility and tenacity that made them icons.
At several junctures, they seemed to reverse the clock, delivering volleys and groundstrokes that reminded spectators of their prime years. Their performance, though ultimately insufficient, demonstrated that age has not dulled their competitive fire.
The night’s action extended beyond the doubles court. Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas rebounded from a first‑set loss to defeat the 18th‑seeded Czech Jiri Lehecka 2-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-1, advancing to the fourth round for the first time in his career. American 11th seed Frances Tiafoe dispatched Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, 6-4, showcasing his growing consistency on hard courts.
In the men’s draw, 2023 US Open semifinalist Ben Shelton secured a place in the next round by overcoming Denis Shapovalov in four sets. Despite a high count of unforced errors, Shelton’s powerful serving – including a 147 mph bomb down the middle – helped him prevail 7-6 (3), 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 in a 3‑hour‑23‑minute marathon. His victory set up a highly anticipated clash with Tsitsipas on Sunday, a match that promises to be a marquee showdown.
For fans seeking to follow the tournament, live coverage continues on Sky Sports from August 30, with streaming options available on NOW and the Sky Sports app. The US Open’s schedule also features the Laver Cup at The O2 in London from September 25‑27, broadcast live on Sky Sports for those who wish to enjoy more top‑level tennis. Overall, the Williams sisters’ US Open doubles outing may have ended in disappointment, but it reinforced their enduring legacy and provided a poignant reminder of their impact on the sport.
Their willingness to fight back, even when faced with a steep deficit, exemplifies the competitive spirit that has defined their careers for over two decades. As the tournament progresses, the tennis world will watch closely to see whether Serena returns to singles competition and how the younger generation, represented by players like Joint and Chan, continues to shape the future of the game.