Venus Williams bows out after 2am following latest start in US Open history

Venus Williams, aged 46 and ranked 611th in the world, lost to Sofia Kenin 6-2, 7-6(6) in the first round of the 2025 US Open in what became the latest-starting match in tournament history, with play beginning at 12.13am after Novak Djokovic's five-set loss to Mariano Navone caused significant delays. The defeat extended Williams' losing streak to 15 consecutive tour-level matches. It was her record-extending 26th US Open singles appearance, with the match played under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium before several thousand remaining spectators.