Williams Sisters Fall in Cincinnati Return
Williams sisters lose 6-2, 6-1, 10-8 in doubles return after four-year absence
The update
Serena and Venus Williams played their first doubles match together since the 2022 U.S. Open, losing 6-2, 6-1, 10-8 to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns at the Cincinnati Open. The sisters entered as wild cards and showed signs of rust in their first match on U.S. soil in nearly four years. After dropping the first set, they rallied to force a match tiebreak before falling despite a late comeback attempt.
Why it matters
This appearance marks Serena’s continued return to competitive tennis after stepping away from the sport in 2022. The match represents a strategic step in her preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open, where she’ll likely compete in both singles and doubles. The tiebreak loss, while not ideal, provides valuable match experience as Serena rebuilds her competitive rhythm.
What to watch
Will Serena’s performance in Cincinnati translate to success at the U.S. Open? How will the sisters adjust their strategy for future doubles matches? Will Serena’s knee injury, which forced them to withdraw from Wimbledon earlier this summer, impact her remaining tournament schedule?
Sources
- The Athletic — match details and context about Serena's return
- espn.com — tiebreak specifics and Williams sisters' history
