Venus Williams Suffers 15th Straight Match Loss at US Open

Venus Williams lost her 15th singles match in a row, defeated by fellow American Sofia Kenin in the first round of the US Open. The match concluded at 2am after starting at 00:13 local time, following Mariano Navone's five-set victory over Novak Djokovic on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This timing set a record for the latest starting match in US Open history, with fewer than 1,000 spectators remaining by the end. Williams, 46, who received a wildcard entry into the tournament, nearly forced a deciding set but lost 6-2, 7-6 (8-6), after leading the tiebreak 6-2.

She commented on the late start, stating it was not ideal and suggested that other sports do not have such late match times. Williams, a seven-time major singles champion, is currently ranked 618th in the world and has received 12 wildcards this season, prompting questions about her eligibility for such entries.