US Open 2026: Twin Sisters Serena and Venus Williams Lose Doubles Opener

The iconic Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, ignited Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday, September 4, 2026, in a much-anticipated return to the US Open women's doubles draw. However, their comeback was spoiled in a thrilling three-set encounter against the 14th-seeded duo of Chan Hao-ching of Chinese Taipei and Australia's Maya Joint, losing 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 7-6 (10-7). The match, a captivating three-hour, two-minute spectacle, saw the legendary siblings famously squander a 5-0 lead in the decisive super tie-break. Serena and Venus Williams Handed Wild Card Entry for US Open 2026 Doubles.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams Thanking the Crowd After the Game

No matter the result, always good to see Serena and Venus competing 💙 pic.twitter.com/NwbU9DS7aq

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2026

At 44 and 46 years old respectively, Serena and Venus, who last played doubles together at a Grand Slam in 2022, rolled back the years with flashes of brilliance and raw power that kept the capacity crowd on the edge of their seats.

Match Details and Turning Points

Chan Hao-ching, 33, and Maya Joint, 20, started strongly, taking the first set 6-3. The Williams sisters, feeding off the fervent energy of the New York crowd, mounted a spirited comeback in the second set. They clawed their way to a tie-break, ultimately winning it 8-6 to force a decider and extend the dramatic night at Flushing Meadows.

The third set was a testament to both teams' resilience. After trailing 4-1, Serena and Venus battled back to tie the set, pushing it to a deciding super tie-break. The atmosphere reached a fever pitch as the American legends surged to a commanding 5-0 lead, seemingly on the brink of a miraculous victory. However, costly errors, including crucial double faults from both sisters, allowed Chan and Joint to mount an incredible comeback, winning six of the next seven points and ultimately clinching the super tie-break 10-7.

Player Insights

Maya Joint, who had already faced Serena in singles at Wimbledon this year, expressed her awe at playing against her idols. "I'm lost for words to think that that happened," Joint said after the match. "She's an idol of mine – both of them are. I looked up to them growing up... just to be able to play them twice is amazing. Awesome."

A Grand Slam Encore Cut Short

The atmosphere in Arthur Ashe Stadium was electric, crackling with anticipation as the familiar figures of Serena (44) and Venus Williams (46) strode onto the court. It was Friday, September 4, 2026, and after a four-year hiatus from Grand Slam doubles, the sisters were back, reuniting for their first-round match at the US Open. The roaring reception from the New York faithful underscored the enduring legacy of the 14-time Grand Slam doubles champions. However, their highly anticipated return ended in a heart-wrenching defeat, as they fell to the 14th-seeded pair of Chan Hao-ching (33) and Maya Joint (20) in a gripping three-set battle.

The Three-Hour Thriller Unfolds

The match, a true marathon lasting three hours and two minutes, saw the Taiwanese-Australian duo of Chan and Joint claim the opening set 6-3. Undeterred, the Williams sisters, tapping into their vintage competitive spirit, fought back fiercely in the second set. They captivated the crowd with their powerful groundstrokes and strategic net play, pushing the set to a tie-break which they ultimately won 8-6, leveling the match and sending Arthur Ashe Stadium into a frenzy.

A Dramatic Decider and a Missed Opportunity

With the momentum seemingly shifted, the deciding third set was a roller-coaster of emotions. The Williams sisters initially trailed 4-1 but demonstrated their characteristic grit to draw even. The match culminated in a tense super tie-break, where the legendary pair stormed to a seemingly insurmountable 5-0 lead. The roar of the crowd was deafening, sensing a miraculous victory. However, in a stunning turn of events, Chan and Joint capitalized on crucial errors from the American duo, including untimely double faults, to win six of the next seven points. The 14th-seeded pair completed their remarkable comeback, sealing the super tie-break 10-7 and the match 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 7-6 (10-7).

Speaking after the match, a relieved Maya Joint, who hails from Australia, expressed her profound respect for her opponents. "I'm lost for words to think that that happened," Joint said. "She's an idol of mine – both of them are. I looked up to them growing up... just to be able to play them twice is amazing. Awesome." Aryna Sabalenka Halts US Open 2026 Match Over Weed Smell in Stands.

The Williams Sisters' Return to the US Open Doubles Draw

Despite the loss, the return of Serena (44) and Venus (46) Williams to the Grand Slam doubles stage was a moment that transcended the scoreboard. Their presence alone injected an undeniable energy into Arthur Ashe Stadium, reminding fans of the extraordinary impact they've had on the sport and cementing their status as enduring icons of tennis. Their journey, though cut short, highlighted their enduring competitive spirit and left a lasting impression on the fans in New York.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 05, 2026 12:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).