Just In: Venus Williams’ 26th US Open Journey Ends in a First-Round Defeat to Sofia Kenin, Leading to Brutal Criticism From Fans
Venus Williams never got going at the 2026 US Open, ending her run in the opening-round with a straight-sets loss to Sofia Kenin on Sunday night. The American legend has now lost 15 straight matches, a losing streak that extends all the way from July 2025.
Williams arrived at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday well past midnight, thanks to the delay from a marathon 5-set affair between Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone.
The opening set went Kenin’s way, a simple 6-2 win. The second set saw her run away with the lead once more, but this time Williams clawed her way back to 4-4. Things eventually headed to a tiebreaker, where Venus Williams had a 6-2 lead before she choked away 4 set points and lost the set 7-6(6) for a disappointing exit from Flushing Meadows.
Ranked World No. 611, Williams had gotten a wild card for the singles main draw, a decision that had come under fire even when it was first announced. After the loss, criticism of Venus Williams only got worse, with fans on social media calling her out for continuing to use up wild cards without any positive results to show for it. Calls also mounted for the seven-time Grand Slam champ to call it a day, at least from singles, in light of this 15-match losing streak.
Here are a few more reactions:
When I die I want Venus Williams to bury me so she can let me down one last time 😭😭💔💔💔 Every match I think it’s the lowest it can go but she just finds a way to break my heart even more 🥲🥲 Was great to see her compete once again but I don’t know how much more I can take.
@josemorgado Can we PLEASE stop giving arrogant Venus Williams wildcards now? She has lost 12 first-round matches in a row this year. She is taking away points and money from more deserving players.
Can someone tell Venus to just play doubles
Venus Williams just blew a 6-2 tiebreak lead 😭 Can’t believe it.
What Venus Williams said about the late-night scheduling in her US Open 1R exit.
Speaking to the press after her first-round exit at the 2026 US Open, Venus Williams admitted that the late-night start was not ‘ideal’ for both her and her opponent Sofia Kenin.
The former World No. 1 was of the opinion that the USTA could have done better in this regard, saying:
“It was extremely late. I’ve never played a match that late before. It’s not ideal. I would have preferred something else. I think it wasn’t great for either of us. I definitely think there’s room for improvement there.”
However, Venus Williams’ campaign at the US Open is not over yet. She and her sister Serena Williams have been given a wild card for the women’s doubles event. Serena Williams did not get a wild card for the singles
