Williams sisters fairytale return ends in defeat

In a thrilling doubles match at the Cincinnati Open, the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, returned to the court together after a four-year hiatus. They were paired against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in front of a packed crowd in Ohio. The American duo put up a strong fight, but ultimately fell short in a hard-fought contest, losing 2-6, 6-1, 10-8.

This was the sisters' first time playing together in four years, marking a fairytale return to the sport. Serena, who is 44, had previously made her comeback in doubles earlier that year, while Venus had been competing in three hard-court tournaments prior to the Cincinnati match. Despite facing a difficult opening against Kostyuk and Stearns, the sisters found their rhythm in the second set after admitting they were working through "a little rust."

Two service winners from Serena helped level the score, but Kostyuk and Stearns held firm, ultimately sealing the victory when Venus double-faulted in the crucial 10-point tie-break. Both sisters acknowledged the match was special and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to play together again. However, their success came with a price.

The sisters will need wildcards to participate in either singles or doubles at the upcoming US Open, which begins on Sunday, 30 August. Serena's Wimbledon doubles bid has been put on hold due to a knee injury that forced her to withdraw from her planned doubles match alongside Venus at the Queen's Club Championships.