Venus Williams’ US Open journey ends in historic late-night match.

Kenin prevails as 46-year-old legend battles in record 26th appearance.

Venus Williams’ remarkable 26th singles campaign at the US Open came to a close in the early hours of Monday, as the 46-year-old was defeated by fellow American Sofia Kenin in straight sets, 6-2, 7-6 (6). The contest, played at Arthur Ashe Stadium, began at 12:13 a.m. local time- setting a new record for the latest start in tournament history.

Novak Djokovic’s marathon four-hour match and 36-minute loss to Mariano Navone caused the late start, pushing Williams and Kenin’s match well past midnight. Their duel eventually concluded at 2:01 a.m., marking the latest finish ever for a first-round US Open match and the third-latest women’s match in tournament history.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, fought valiantly despite her ongoing struggles. She has now endured 15 consecutive singles defeats, with her last victory coming in Washington in July 2025. At Flushing Meadows, she has not won a singles match since 2019, suffering six straight first-round exits.

Kenin, who raced through the opening set in just 32 minutes, acknowledged the challenge of facing a legend. “Venus was playing some amazing tennis,” she said. “I just tried to keep fighting and stay strong in those moments.” Williams rallied in the second set, clawing back from 4-2 down to force a tiebreak, but Kenin held her nerve and sealed the win when Williams netted a forehand.

Despite the defeat, Williams’ US Open journey may not be over. She is scheduled to return later this week in doubles alongside her sister Serena, offering fans another chance to witness the iconic duo on court. When asked about her singles future, Williams remained focused on recovery rather than speculation: “My mind is fully focused on how I recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one.”

For the crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the match was both a celebration of Williams’ enduring presence and a reminder of the challenges athletes face when competing deep into their careers. While her singles campaign ended in disappointment, her resilience and determination continue to inspire, ensuring her legacy remains firmly etched in US Open history.