Venus Williams Loses 15th Straight Match at US Open

Venus Williams, aged 46, faced her 15th consecutive singles defeat at the US Open, losing to fellow American Sofia Kenin with a score of 6-2, 7-6 (8-6). The match commenced at 00:13 local time, following Mariano Navone's five-set victory over Novak Djokovic, marking the latest start to a match in US Open history.

By the end of the match, only about 1,000 spectators remained in the stadium. Williams struggled initially but performed better in the second set, leading 6-2 in the tiebreak and having seven set points before Kenin won the last six points.

Williams expressed her dissatisfaction with the late start, stating, “I just don’t know any other sport where you have to start that late.” This defeat extends her record to 19 losses in her last 20 singles matches, with her only win against Peyton Stearns in July 2025. Currently ranked 618th, Williams has not entered a Grand Slam singles main draw through her ranking since Wimbledon 2021.

She has received 12 wildcards this season, with tournament organizers valuing her presence in the draws.