Serena and Venus Williams’ much-anticipated return to US Open women’s doubles ended in heartbreaking fashion on Friday, as the legendary sisters fell to Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint in a thrilling three-set battle at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 14-time Grand Slam doubles champions, who have won two US Open titles together, fought back after dropping the opening set and appeared poised for victory after taking a commanding 5-0 lead in the deciding 10-point tiebreak. However, Chan and Joint produced a remarkable comeback to prevail 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7).
Venus, 46, and Serena, 44, were playing Grand Slam doubles together for the first time since the 2022 US Open. Their last major doubles title came at Roland Garros in 2018.
The sisters showed glimpses of the form that made them one of the most formidable doubles teams in tennis history. Serena was especially effective at the net, although her serve occasionally let her down.
After surrendering the first set, the Americans raised their level in the second. They hit 20 winners, held every service game and forced a tiebreak. They then leveled the match when Joint sent an overhead long, triggering a huge roar from the packed stadium.
Chan and Joint responded strongly in the third set, opening up a 4-2 advantage. The Williams sisters refused to give in, fighting their way back and then surging 5-0 ahead in the deciding tiebreak.
But the Taiwanese-Australian combination held their nerve under immense pressure, winning seven of the next nine points to complete a stunning comeback and secure victory.
For Serena, the match marked her first appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2022 and another memorable chapter in her return to competitive tennis.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion returned to major competition as a Wimbledon wild card, four years after saying she was “evolving away” from tennis. At Wimbledon, she faced Joint in a highly anticipated Centre Court encounter, with the Australian emerging victorious.
Joint admitted that even that experience did not prepare her for the atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Williams sisters were greeted by a thunderous ovation as they walked onto the court in understated white outfits. Every powerful volley and overhead smash from the Americans was met with deafening cheers, with the noise reaching its peak when they raced into their 5-0 tiebreak lead.
“The atmosphere was surreal,” Joint said. “Being able to play against such legends of the game is super special.”
