Kenin holds off Venus Williams in record-late US Open start

Sofia Kenin defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(7) in a first-round US Open match that began at 12:13 a.m. on August 31, 2026, marking the latest start in US Open history. Kenin saved seven set points in the second set to secure the victory, with the delayed start caused by Novak Djokovic's 4-hour, 36-minute five-set loss earlier on Arthur Ashe Stadium. Kenin will next face Jessica Pegula in the second round.