Venus loses after latest-ever start at US Open

Venus Williams was eliminated from the first round of the 2026 US Open in the early hours of Monday morning, losing in straight sets to fellow American wild card Sofia Kenin. The match marked Venus's 26th US Open singles appearance and did not begin until midnight local time in New York, setting a record for the latest-ever start at the tournament. The result ends Williams's campaign at what has become one of her most iconic Grand Slam events.