Serena and Venus Williams exit US Open doubles in tight third‑set tiebreak

Serena and Venus Williams saw their US Open women’s‑doubles campaign end in a dramatic third‑set tiebreak, falling 7‑6(5) to the Taiwanese‑American pair of Hao‑Ching Chan and Maya Joint, ESPN reported. The match, played on Court 12, featured several momentum swings, with the sisters saving a set point before ultimately succumbing in the breaker.

The victory marked Chan and Joint’s first deep run at a Grand Slam, while the Williams sisters, returning to doubles competition after a multi‑year hiatus, were unable to translate their singles dominance into a doubles win. Their partnership, rekindled for the 2024 season, had already produced a quarter‑final showing at Wimbledon earlier this year, raising hopes they could add another Grand Slam title to their storied résumé.

Historically, Serena and Venus have been one of the most successful sibling duos in tennis, amassing 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including four US Open crowns. Their last US Open doubles triumph came in 2016, and they have since focused primarily on singles and individual pursuits. The 2024 return was intended as a test of chemistry after limited joint practice, and while the pair displayed flashes of their classic aggressive net play, the lack of recent match rhythm was evident against a well‑coordinated opponent.

The loss carries implications for the tournament’s doubles draw, opening a slot for lower‑seeded teams to advance deeper into the event. It also underscores the growing depth in women’s doubles, where younger partnerships are increasingly challenging veteran pairings. For the Williams sisters, the defeat may prompt a reassessment of their schedule, balancing the physical demands of singles with the strategic nuances of doubles.

The US Open, now in its 104th edition, continues to showcase a blend of legacy players and emerging talent. While the Williams sisters’ early exit disappoints fans hoping for a nostalgic run, it also highlights the evolving competitive landscape of women’s tennis, where experience must constantly adapt to new styles and athleticism.