KENIN ENDS VENUS WILLIAMS’ US OPEN RUN IN DRAMATIC LATE-NIGHT CLASH

American tennis veteran Venus Williams has been eliminated from the 2026 US Open singles competition after losing to compatriot Sofia Kenin in the opening round at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 46-year-old Williams was defeated 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) by the 2020 Australian Open champion in a match that began shortly after midnight and ended after 2am local time.

Williams, who received a wild card to compete in the tournament, struggled to find her rhythm during the opening set as Kenin quickly established control.

Kenin broke Williams' serve early and built a comfortable advantage before closing out the first set 6-2.

The second set produced a much closer contest, with Williams mounting a strong comeback after falling behind 4-2.

The veteran American saved herself from facing a wider deficit and eventually forced the set into a tie-break, thrilling the spectators who remained inside Arthur Ashe Stadium despite the extremely late hour.

Williams then raced to a 6-2 lead in the tie-break, moving to within two points of forcing a deciding set.

Kenin, however, refused to surrender and produced a remarkable turnaround, winning six of the next eight points to take the tie-break 8-6 and seal victory.

The match was particularly historic because it began at 12:13am, making it the latest-starting women's match in US Open history.

A large number of fans stayed inside the stadium to watch Williams, who was making her 26th US Open appearance and competing in her 96th Grand Slam main draw.

Despite the defeat, Williams produced several flashes of the quality that has made her one of the most decorated players in women's tennis.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion had entered the tournament with a wild card, continuing her remarkable longevity in the sport more than two decades after reaching her first US Open final as a teenager in 1997.

Williams also expressed appreciation for the supporters who remained in the stadium despite the unusually late start.

Kenin, meanwhile, advanced to the second round and will face fellow American Jessica Pegula, the tournament's top seed.

The defeat extends Williams' difficult run in singles competition, but she still has an opportunity to remain involved in the tournament through the doubles event.

Venus is set to team up with her younger sister Serena Williams in the women's doubles competition, giving fans another opportunity to watch the legendary sisters compete together at the Grand Slam.

For Kenin, the victory represents an important opening-round success against one of the most accomplished players in tennis history.

The match also provided a memorable start to the women's singles action at the 2026 US Open, with the late-night spectacle highlighting both Williams' enduring popularity and Kenin's ability to handle the pressure of a high-profile Grand Slam encounter.