AP
US Open Tennis
Venus Williams, of the United States, plays a backhand return to compatriot Sofia Kenin during their first round match of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, in New York.
As featured on
Venus Williams had her 26th U.S. Open appearance delayed until after midnight. Then the 46-year-old lost in straight sets in what could be her final singles match at a Grand Slam, if not her illustrious career. Williams was beaten 6-2, 7-6 (6) by fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin early Monday morning at Arthur Ashe Stadium. At 12:13 a.m., it was the latest start to a match in U.S. Open history. It was also the latest first-round finish, men's or women's.
