Venus Williams loses to Sofia Kenin in US Open first round, 6-2, 7-6

Venus Williams, 46, fell in straight sets to compatriot Sofia Kenin, 6-2, 7-6(8/6), in the women’s singles first round of the US Open on August 30, 2026 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City. The match began just after midnight local time and ended after 2 am, with Williams receiving a wild card entry 29 years after her 1997 final appearance.

This loss extends Williams’ streak of early exits in Grand Slam singles since her last win at Wimbledon 2021—she has lost in the opening round of her last six Slam appearances. It highlights the physical toll of competing at the highest level in mid‑40s and shows Kenin’s resilience after saving a break point to force a tie‑break. For Nigerian tennis fans, it underscores the sport’s unpredictability and the endurance required to stay relevant across generations.

Williams will still compete in the women’s doubles alongside sister Serena later in the tournament and has not announced a retirement date for singles. If you follow her career, note her upcoming doubles matches and consider how veteran players adapt their schedules. With Venus still in the doubles draw, will you watch her partner with Serena, or shift focus to rising stars like Kenin advancing in the singles?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/08/31/venus-williams-falls-at-first-hurdle-in-us-open/