US Open: Venus Williams throws in the towel at 2:01 a.m.: “What a crazy match”

Venus Williams’ run at the U.S. Open came to an end in the first round. The 46-year-old American was defeated by her compatriot Sofia Kenin, who was also competing on a wild card, in two sets (6-2, 7-6).

The match began at 12:13 a.m. local time—the latest start time in US Open history—six minutes later than the previous record set by Aryna Sabalenka against Ekaterina Alexandrova in the round of 16 in 2024. “It wasn’t ideal,” said Venus Williams, as reported by ESPN. “I would have preferred something different, no doubt. It didn’t go well for either of us, so I think we both gave it our all.”

The match ended at 2:01 a.m. and became the latest first-round match in US Open history. It is the third-latest women’s match ever to end at any stage of the tournament.

After her loss, Venus Williams was asked about her future and whether this was her last match at the US Open: “I don’t think I need to worry about that. My mind is completely focused on how to bounce back from this absolutely crazy night and prepare for the next challenge.”