Full Breakdown
Williams Sisters Return to US Open Doubles Ends in Thrilling Tiebreak Loss
9/5/2026, 5:51:08 AM
Core Event
In the first round of the US Open, Serena Williams and Venus Williams teamed up for their first major-level doubles appearance together since 2022. Facing the pair of Hao-Ching Chan (Taiwan) and Maya Joint (Australia), the sisters pushed the match to a deciding-set tiebreak, ultimately falling 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 (10-7). The contest lasted just over three hours, with the Williams duo leading the final tiebreak 5-0 before dropping ten of the next twelve points.
Background & Context
The Williams sisters first met as opponents in the 2001 US Open final, and they have previously partnered to win 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals (2000, 2008, 2012). Their last major doubles collaboration was at the 2022 US Open, where they also lost in the opening round. Serena’s 2024 Wimbledon singles return ended prematurely after a knee injury, prompting the pair to postpone their next joint Grand Slam appearance until New York.
Match Details & Statistics
- Age gap: The opponents were roughly half the Williams sisters’ ages.
- Historical note: This was only the second major doubles match in which the sisters played a deciding-set tiebreak; the first occurred at the 2009 French Open third round.
- Performance: The sisters double-faulted twice during the tiebreak after an otherwise strong showing. Their overall major-level doubles record as a team now stands at 27-8.
- Crowd reaction: The packed Arthur Ashe Stadium audience responded enthusiastically, with fans displaying signs such as “Welcome to the Williams Show.”
Impact & Significance
Although the match ended in defeat, the Williams sisters demonstrated that they can still compete closely with much younger teams, delivering “vintage volleys” that thrilled spectators. Their appearance marked a rare first-round doubles slot in the night session of Arthur Ashe Stadium, underscoring the event’s draw. Maya Joint later described the match as “amazing,” noting the unique atmosphere of playing two tennis legends. The performance adds to the narrative of the sisters’ enduring influence on the sport, even as they transition away from full-time competition.
