Venus Williams bows out of US Open with straight-sets defeat to Sofia Kenin

What the report says

Venus Williams exited the US Open after a straight-sets first-round loss to fellow American Sofia Kenin in New York, according to Al Jazeera’s report from Reuters. The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium began just after midnight local time, which the article said was the latest start in women’s tournament history. Williams, 46, was competing as a wildcard in her 96th Grand Slam main-draw appearance.

Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, took control early by breaking serve in the opening game and holding Williams off throughout much of the contest. Williams fought back in the second set and reached a tiebreak, but Kenin closed out the win 6-2, 7-6(6). The report said both players struggled at times, with double faults and unforced errors affecting the flow of the match.

Williams said afterward that the late start was difficult and that she had hoped for a better result, while also thanking the crowd that stayed late to watch. She also noted there was room for improvement in scheduling night matches so late. Kenin will next face top seed Jessica Pegula.

The article also placed the result in the wider US Open context, where play was beginning amid a record prize fund and several notable names were advancing, including Daniil Medvedev and Pegula. It also said Williams is still set to play women’s doubles with her sister Serena Williams, adding another layer of interest for fans following the veteran’s return.