Serena and Venus Williams’ highly anticipated return to the US Open ended in heartbreaking fashion after the legendary sisters surrendered a 5–0 lead in the deciding match tiebreak before losing their first-round doubles clash to 14th seeds Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint.
The Williams sisters were defeated 3–6, 7–6 (6), 7–6 (7) in a thrilling contest that lasted more than three hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday night.
Despite the defeat, their return created one of the most memorable moments of the 2026 US Open, with a packed crowd turning the match into a celebration of two of the most influential players in tennis history. The official US Open reported that approximately 24,000 spectators watched the sisters’ return to the doubles court.
Serena and Venus Williams fight back
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Chan and Joint controlled the opening set, taking it 6–3 after winning the final three games.
The Williams sisters, however, refused to let the match slip away.
The second set became a tightly contested battle, with neither team able to establish a decisive advantage. Serena and Venus eventually forced a tiebreak and managed to win it 8–6, sending the match into a deciding third set.
The momentum continued to swing dramatically.
Chan and Joint moved ahead 4–1 in the final set, putting themselves within touching distance of victory. But the Williams sisters produced another remarkable comeback, fighting their way back into the contest and eventually forcing a 10-point match tiebreak.
Williams sisters surrender 5–0 lead
The deciding tiebreak appeared to be going exactly as Serena and Venus had hoped.
The sisters raced into a 5–0 advantage, leaving them just five points away from completing an extraordinary comeback.
But Chan and Joint refused to panic.
The 14th seeds gradually fought their way back, taking advantage of opportunities as the Williams sisters struggled to maintain their early advantage.
The momentum completely changed, and the Taiwanese-Australian partnership eventually recovered to level the breaker before pulling away to win 10–7.
The defeat brought an end to the Williams sisters’ latest attempt to add another chapter to their extraordinary doubles legacy.
First US Open doubles match since 2022
The match was particularly significant because it marked Serena and Venus’ first appearance together at the US Open since 2022.
It was also their first Grand Slam doubles appearance together in four years.
The sisters had previously won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles as a team, including two US Open championships in 1999 and 2009.
They also won three Olympic gold medals together, in 2000, 2008 and 2012.
Their return to Arthur Ashe Stadium therefore carried enormous historical significance, with fans eager to see the pair reunite on one of tennis’ biggest stages.
Serena and Venus leave fans wanting more
Although the result went against them, the atmosphere surrounding the match showed just how much affection tennis fans continue to have for the Williams sisters.
The crowd loudly supported them throughout the contest, particularly during their second-set comeback and their fight back from 1–4 down in the third.
The official US Open described the evening as a celebration and reunion, rather than simply another first-round match.
For Chan and Joint, defeating the legendary sisters was a career-defining moment.
Joint, an Australian player who grew up admiring the Williams sisters, said she was at a loss for words after defeating them.
The victory was particularly notable for Joint because she had already faced Serena in singles at Wimbledon earlier in 2026.
A new chapter for Serena Williams
Serena, 44, returned to competitive tennis in 2026 after a lengthy break.
Her comeback has generated considerable interest among fans, particularly because she had previously stepped away from professional tennis after building one of the greatest careers in the history of the sport.
Her reunion with Venus has provided another opportunity for the sisters to compete together, something that has been a defining feature of their careers.
Venus, 46, has also continued competing, making the sisters’ appearance together at the US Open particularly special.
An unforgettable Williams sisters reunion
The loss means Serena and Venus will not advance in the US Open women’s doubles draw.
However, their return was about more than the final score.
For more than three hours, the sisters reminded fans of the competitive spirit, athleticism and chemistry that helped them dominate women’s doubles for decades.
Their 5–0 lead in the deciding tiebreak ultimately disappeared, but the match itself became another memorable chapter in the Williams sisters’ extraordinary tennis story.
Whether the pair will compete together again remains uncertain.
For now, their 2026 US Open return will be remembered for the packed stadium, the dramatic comebacks, the 5–0 tiebreak lead that slipped away and the emotional reaction of fans who were simply grateful to see Serena and Venus Williams sharing a Grand Slam court once again.
