New York – On Friday, the iconic Williams sisters made a triumphant return to the US Open, playing a doubles match in front of a roaring crowd of 23,000 at Arthur Ashe Stadium. While the 44‑year‑old Serena and her 46‑year‑old sister Venus fell short in a three‑set battle, the event became a celebration of their lasting impact on tennis.
Match recap
The Australian duo of Maya Joint and Taiwan’s Chan Hao‑ching, seeded 14th, opened the match with a 6‑3 first set. The Williams sisters rallied in the second, pushing the contest to a decisive super tiebreak. After a tense back‑and‑forth, Joint and Chan edged the final set 7‑6 (10‑7), sealing a victory that lasted just over three hours.
Fans cheered every Williams winner and fell silent during the opponents’ points, underscoring the deep affection for the sisters. Serena entered the court in a custom bomber jacket adorned with patches commemorating her US Open singles and doubles triumphs, while Venus carried a matching pink bag, highlighting their shared style.
Legacy on display
Serena noted that the comeback was inspired by her daughter, adding a personal touch to the historic appearance. Together, the sisters have amassed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, two US Open doubles crowns, three Olympic gold medals, and a combined 30 Grand Slam singles titles. Their presence reminded the crowd of a two‑decade‑long partnership that helped shape modern tennis.
Joint, 20, expressed admiration for the legends, saying, “I’m lost for words to think of it. She’s my idol, both of them. I grew up in Michigan so I always looked up to them. Being able to play them twice is amazing.” Chan echoed the sentiment, calling the experience “super special.”
Why the comeback mattered
The sisters’ return came after Serena withdrew from the Wimbledon doubles draw due to a knee injury sustained in singles play. Their appearance at Flushing Meadows offered fans a long‑awaited moment of nostalgia and inspiration.
Earlier this season, the Williams pair had limited recent doubles success, losing in three sets to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in Cincinnati. Nonetheless, Serena had already showcased her skill in a mixed‑doubles run with Carlos Alcaraz, reaching the quarter‑finals.
Future prospects
Whether Serena and Venus will team up again remains uncertain. For now, the crowd left the stadium with a vivid memory of Serena’s clenched fist and Venus standing proudly beside her, a testament to their enduring legacy.
As the US Open continues, the tournament will feature other notable matches, but the Williams sisters’ brief but heartfelt appearance will be remembered as a highlight of this year’s event.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
