Sofia Kenin ended Venus Williams’ US Open singles campaign with a 6-2, 7-6(6) victory in a remarkable first-round encounter that began after midnight at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The match started at 12:13 a.m. Malaysia time on Monday afternoon, making it the latest start in the history of the US Open women’s tournament. The unusually late schedule followed Novak Djokovic’s five-set defeat by Mariano Navone earlier in the night.
Despite the late hour, a sizeable crowd remained at Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch Williams compete in her 96th Grand Slam main draw appearance. The 46-year-old American entered the tournament as a wildcard and received strong support from the fans throughout the match.
Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, made the stronger start and quickly established control. She broke Williams early and took the opening set in 32 minutes as both players struggled to find their rhythm.
Williams responded in the second set and showed flashes of the form that has made her one of the sport’s most decorated players. Kenin initially moved ahead, but a series of unforced errors allowed Williams to fight her way back and force a tiebreak.
The veteran then appeared on the verge of extending the match after taking a 6-2 lead in the tiebreak and earning four set points. Kenin, however, held her nerve when it mattered most, winning six consecutive points to close out the match shortly after 2 a.m.
Williams struggled particularly on her second serve, while Kenin was more consistent during the longer baseline exchanges. The younger American finished with 28 winners compared with 13 from Williams and proved more effective on the key points.
Despite the defeat, Williams earned a warm reception from the remaining fans as her 26th US Open singles appearance came to an end.
The unusual scheduling was also a talking point after the match, with Williams admitting that starting after midnight made it difficult for both players to find their rhythm.
Kenin, meanwhile, moves into the second round, where she will face fellow American and third seed Jessica Pegula.
For Williams, the focus now shifts to doubles, where she is set to team up with her sister Serena Williams later in the tournament.
The result marked another chapter in Williams’ remarkable US Open history, but on this occasion it was Kenin who held her nerve when the match reached its decisive moments in the early hours of the morning.
