Heartbreak in New York as Williams sisters turn back the clock, fall just short

Serena and Venus Williams, two of tennis's most illustrious sisters, delivered a thrilling return to the US Open women's doubles tournament on Friday. The sisters, who have amassed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including two US Opens, faced off against Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint in a match that saw them electrify Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Despite falling short in the end, the American sisters fought valiantly, rallying from a break down in the third set and leading the crucial 10-point tiebreaker 5-0. However, in a match decided in three sets, they fell 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7). Venus, 46, and Serena, 44, had not played Grand Slam doubles since the 2022 US Open and last claimed a title together at Roland Garros in 2018.

While they showcased glimpses of their former brilliance, Venus struggled with her serve, and Serena, although a formidable force in the net, found the going tough. Even so, the sisters displayed flashes of their classic form, serving up an impressive 20 winners in the second set and holding their nerve when Joint hit an overhead long into the stands.

Joint and Chan, representing Taiwan, staged a remarkable comeback in the third set, seizing a 4-2 lead and fighting back superbly to claim their first US Open doubles victory. For Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, this marked her first return to the hallowed grounds of Flushing Meadows since her Wimbledon loss to Joint four years ago.

The 44-year-old had returned to major singles play as a Wimbledon wild card after a period of retirement. Despite that early setback, Joint found the sheer atmosphere of Ashe Stadium daunting. The sisters entered the court to thunderous applause, clad in understated white attire. Every explosive volley and smashing overhead smash from the Americans was met with deafening cheers, and when they seized the lead in the decisive tiebreaker, the noise was utterly overwhelming.

Joint commented, "The atmosphere was surreal. Playing alongside such legends of the game is super special."