Williams falls to Kenin in historic late-night US Open opener

Venus Williams was eliminated from the US Open in the first round by Sofia Kenin, with the match starting at 12:13am, the latest start in tournament history. Williams, 46, lost 6-2, 7-6 (6), extending her losing streak to 15 consecutive tour-level matches. Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, advanced after a 1-hour 48-minute contest.

The first-round contest was delayed nearly five hours after Novak Djokovic's five-set defeat to Mariano Navone pushed the schedule deep into the night, forcing Williams' entrance under the closed Arthur Ashe Stadium roof at 12:13am. Several thousand spectators remained to witness the record-setting start, with the match concluding at 2:01am. Williams, making her 26th US Open singles appearance, broke Kenin's serve in the second set and held four set points in the tie-break at 6-2 before Kenin won six consecutive points to close out the victory.

Kenin, who entered with just five tour-level wins this year, finished with 28 winners compared to Williams' 13 and won 61% of points behind Williams' second serve. The 2020 Australian Open champion advances to face No 3 seed Jessica Pegula in the second round. Williams has not won a major since Wimbledon 2021 and has now lost 15 consecutive tour-level matches.