Venus Williams’ 26th appearance at the US Open ended in a first-round exit early Monday morning. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was defeated in straight sets by fellow American Sofia Kenin. The match was delayed significantly by the tournament schedule, with the players not taking the court until approximately midnight local time.

This late-night start time has become a point of discussion regarding player welfare and scheduling logistics at major tennis tournaments. While the match proceeded as scheduled, the timing meant that the conclusion of the contest occurred well into the early morning hours, impacting both the players and the remaining spectators. Williams, who received a wild card entry into the tournament, was unable to overcome Kenin’s performance during the match. The loss marks an early conclusion to Williams' campaign in New York, a tournament where she has historically been a dominant figure. The scheduling of the match highlights the ongoing challenges tournament organizers face in balancing broadcast demands with the physical needs of the athletes.