Kenin Beats Venus Williams in Historic 2 a.m. US Open Finish

Sofia Kenin beat Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6 (8-6) in the first round of the US Open after a match that stretched into a 2 a.m. finish in New York, according to BBC Sport. The all-American contest on Arthur Ashe Stadium did not begin until 00:13 local time, making it the latest-starting match in US Open history.

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The delayed start followed Mariano Navone's five-set victory over Novak Djokovic on the same court. BBC Sport reported that there were barely 1,000 spectators left by the end of the Williams-Kenin match, which closed with the 2020 Australian Open champion saving seven set points in the second set.

Williams, 46, pushed Kenin hard after dropping the opening set. The seven-time major singles champion led the second-set tiebreak 6-2, but Kenin won the final six points to avoid a deciding set and complete the straight-sets victory. The result extended Williams' singles losing streak to 15 matches.

Williams was playing the tournament on a wildcard, a recurring point of discussion around her 2026 season. BBC Sport reported that she is ranked 618th and that this was her 12th wildcard of the season. The report also noted there is no limit on the number of wildcards a Grand Slam champion can receive.

The broader debate around Williams' entries has included tournament value as well as competitive merit. Karl Hale, the Toronto tournament director who gave Williams a wildcard for a WTA 1000 event this month, told BBC Sport that generational icons still bring value to tournaments. Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said during BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra's US Open coverage that he understands the appeal, while questioning whether Williams should take opportunities from younger players.

Williams has not won a singles match since beating Peyton Stearns in Washington in July 2025, according to BBC Sport, and the Kenin defeat was her 19th loss in 20 singles matches. She has not qualified for a Grand Slam by ranking since Wimbledon 2021, which was also the site of her most recent singles win at a major.

Williams will remain at the US Open for women's doubles, where she is due to partner her sister Serena. Asked about her future, she did not commit beyond recovering from the late finish and preparing for that next event.