US Open 2026: Venus Williams bows out after Rd-1 loss to Kenin

Venus Williams during her loss to Sofia Kenin in New York on Sunday. Pic/AFP

Venus Williams bowed out of her 26th US Open singles appearance early Monday morning, falling in straight sets to fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin after not getting on the court until midnight.

The 46-year-old lost 6-2, 7-6 (6) in what could be the final singles match at a Grand Slam, if not her illustrious career. It was Williams's 15th consecutive singles defeat dating to her last victory in Washington in July 2025.

With doubles coming up later this week with sister Serena, Venus was not ready to contemplate her future in tennis. "I don't think I should have to. My mind is fully focused on that: how I recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one," Williams said after the match.

Pegula, Kostyuk progress

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula and Marta Kostyuk both won easily and now they get the benefit of an extra day of rest before returning for the second round, where Pegula will play Kenin.

Pegula leads the women's tour with 46 wins this season after she beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2. The No. 11-seeded Kostyuk beat Storm Hunter 6-4, 6-1 for a strong start to the year's final major.

Other winners on Sunday included No. 9 Elina Svitolina, No. 19 Jasmine Paolini and No. 31 Leylah Fernandez.

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