Serena and Venus Williams lose US Open doubles thriller for first time since 2022 after leading 5-0 in decider

Serena Williams, left, and Venus Williams play against Hao-Ching Chan and Maye Joint during the women’s doubles match at the U.S. Open tennis championships Friday, Sept. 4, 2026, in New York. (AP photo) Serena and Venus Williams’ return to the US Open women’s doubles after four years ended with a three-set defeat to Chan Hao-ching and Maya Joint at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday.The Williams sisters lost 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 7-6 (10-7) after leading 5-0 in the deciding 10-point tiebreak.The pair have not played a Grand Slam doubles match together since the 2022 US Open. It was also Serena Williams’ first appearance at Flushing Meadows since that tournament.Serena, now 44, returned to professional tennis this year after retiring from the sport. Venus, 46, continued to play on the WTA Tour.The match turned several times before the sisters forced a deciding tiebreak. They raced out to a 5-0 lead, but both players double-faulted in the tiebreak as Chan and Joint came back to claim the last seven points.It was also Serena’s second loss to Maya Joint this summer. The Australian defeated Serena in three sets at Wimbledon during Serena’s return to Grand Slam singles. The sisters later withdrew from their Wimbledon doubles match after Serena injured her knee.The atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium was electrifying. The Williams sisters received a standing ovation when they entered the court in matching white outfits.The crowd cheered almost every point the Americans won, and the noise grew louder as they took control of the deciding tiebreaker.After the game, Joint said that playing against the sisters was an unforgettable experience.“The atmosphere was unbelievable. To be able to play against such legends of the game is super special.”Venus and Serena are among the most successful doubles teams in tennis history. Together, they won 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, including two US Open crowns, and Olympic gold medals in 2000, 2008 and 2012. They also held the world number one doubles title for eight weeks.