Sofia Kenin dismisses Venus Williams in US Open first round

Sofia Kenin and Venus Williams were granted the opportunity to compete in the first round of the US Open, but only after enduring a lengthy wait that extended well into the night. The match commenced under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, following an emotionally charged loss by Novak Djokovic earlier. Kenin showcased her skills, particularly with her backhand, as she capitalized on her chances.

However, the match failed to deliver the competitive fervor that tennis enthusiasts had anticipated. The scoreline, MORE: Novak Djokovic first round US Open loss to Mariano Navone hard to watch, was a reflection of the lackluster performance. Both women, Grand Slam champions who have faced challenges in 2026, struggled to find their rhythm and momentum.

While Venus Williams received enthusiastic support from the crowd, she faltered in both serving and maintaining momentum. Kenin, on the other hand, advanced to the second round, where she will face Jessica Pegula, another American who also secured a victory with straight sets on the opening day.

Despite both players earning their place in the tournament, the decision to have them face off in consecutive matches at the beginning of the first night raised eyebrows. The night matches extended into the morning hours, placing undue pressure on the athletes. Warming up and preparing for the match began after midnight, leaving Kenin to face a tougher recovery process, as she had to start the recovery after 2 AM EDT.

The disappointment was palpable among fans who were looking forward to witnessing a vintage clash between Djokovic and Williams. However, Father Time proved to be a formidable opponent for both, as neither player showcased their best form on the opening night of the US Open.