Williams sisters bow out of US Open doubles after tiebreak defeat

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. The match, played on Court 17, stretched to 2 hours and 12 minutes before the Williams sisters were forced to concede the decisive point, according to ESPN.

The sisters entered the tournament as a wildcard pair, marking their first Grand Slam doubles appearance together since 2022. Both players have previously amassed 14 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 doubles crowns, often partnering in the early 2000s to dominate the women's game. Their reunion generated excitement among fans who remembered iconic victories such as the 2009 Australian Open and the 2017 Wimbledon titles.

Chan and Joint, who have been regular fixtures on the WTA doubles circuit, displayed aggressive net play and solid serving throughout the match. After splitting the first two sets 6‑4, 3‑6, the pair held their nerve in the tiebreak, capitalising on a few unforced errors from the Williams duo. The loss drops Serena and Venus to a 0‑1 record in the tournament, ending any hopes of a surprise deep run.

The Williams sisters' brief comeback comes amid a broader trend of veteran players testing the limits of their longevity in Grand Slam events. Both Serena and Venus have faced injury setbacks in recent years, with Serena announcing a hiatus after the 2022 season and Venus focusing on coaching and commentary. Their decision to compete together this year was seen as a chance to gauge their competitive readiness ahead of potential future appearances, especially as the WTA tour continues to evolve with younger talent.

While the defeat was disappointing for the pair and their supporters, it underscores the depth of today’s doubles field, where specialist teams often outmatch occasional pairings. The Williams sisters remain influential figures in tennis, and their participation, even in a short stint, adds visibility to the sport and inspires the next generation of players.

The US Open will continue with the women's doubles draw, now featuring Chan and Joint advancing to the quarter‑finals where they will meet the top‑seeded pair from Spain and Italy.