Venus Williams bows out of US Open with straight-sets defeat to Sofia Kenin

Venus Williams, aged 46, was defeated by compatriot Sofia Kenin in the first round of the US Open in New York on August 31, 2026. The match, which began after midnight, saw Kenin win in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6(6). Despite the loss, Williams is scheduled to compete in the women's doubles with her sister Serena Williams. The article also notes other US Open results, including wins for Daniil Medvedev and Jessica Pegula, and early exits for Barbora Krejcikova, Marin Cilic, and Casper Ruud due to injury.

Venus Williams concluded her 26th U.S. Open singles appearance with a first-round loss to fellow American Sofia Kenin in the early hours of Monday, August 31, 2026. The 46-year-old Williams fell in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (6), in a match that began after midnight due to lengthy delays. This defeat marks her 15th consecutive singles loss and sixth in a row at the U.S. Open. The match was the latest-ever start for a U.S. Open match and the third-latest finish for a women's match at the tournament. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, did not comment on whether this was her final singles match, stating her focus is on upcoming doubles play with her sister Serena.