The hard courts of Flushing Meadows delivered high drama on a memorable day of tennis, highlighted by emotional returns and commanding victories. Highlighting the action was the iconic sister duo of Serena Williams and Venus Williams, who made a highly anticipated return to the women's doubles draw. However, despite displaying moments of brilliant shot-making, the legendary pair suffered a heartbreaking first-round defeat. Meanwhile, top-seeded contenders in the singles competition, including defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world number one Aryna Sabalenka, showcased their championship credentials with resolute performances to reach the fourth round of the tournament.
Williams Sisters Fall Short After Dramatic Tiebreak Collapse
Returning to pair up at the US Open for the first time since 2022, Serena Williams and Venus Williams generated massive excitement among the New York crowd. Facing the formidable team of Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint in the opening round of women's doubles, the American sisters engaged in a grueling marathon battle. After dropping the opening set 6-3, the legendary duo clawed their way back into the match by capturing the second set 7-6 via a 6-8 tiebreak score to force a decisive third set.
The tension escalated in the final set as Serena and Venus found themselves down 4-1. Demonstrating the resilience that yielded two past US Open doubles crowns during their decorated careers, they won consecutive games to even the score and send the deciding set into a match tiebreaker. The sisters swiftly took control of the tiebreaker, rushing out to an imposing 5-0 advantage. However, their opponents mounted an astonishing comeback, winning 10 of the final 12 points to seal a thrilling victory with a scoreline of 6-3, 6-7 (6), 7-6 (10-7). Serena, returning to competitive play this year at age 44, and Venus, still active on the professional circuit at 46, exited the tournament despite earning an enthusiastic standing ovation from the fans.
Carlos Alcaraz Continues Smooth Comeback From Wrist Injury
In the men's singles draw, second seed and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz dispatched Wu Yibing in straight sets to book his place in the last 16. The Spanish superstar produced a dominant performance to earn a 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 victory over his Chinese rival. Having missed four months of competitive action following a right wrist injury sustained back in April, the two-time US Open champion looked sharp and completely in control throughout the contest.
Reflecting on his rapid return to top form, Alcaraz expressed satisfaction with his physical condition and level of play on court. "I am playing better than I expected," said the Spaniard after securing his spot in the fourth round. Alcaraz will next square off against 20th seed Tommy Paul, who survived a brutal five-set encounter against 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik to progress.
Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula Charge Into Fourth Round
On the women's singles side, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka pushed closer to tournament history with a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over Kamilla Rakhimova. The top-ranked Belarusian needed to stay sharp during a demanding 54-minute second set to subdue her opponent. Sabalenka, who had wrapped up her previous second-round match in just 53 minutes, is aiming to become the first female player since Serena Williams to capture three consecutive US Open titles. In the round of 16, Sabalenka will go head-to-head against American Taylor Townsend.
Elsewhere in the women's draw, third seed Jessica Pegula bounced back from a dismal opening set to defeat 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a fierce battle. Pegula set up a fourth-round clash against Romania's 36-year-old veteran Sorana Cirstea. The 16th-seeded Cirstea, who has indicated that she is considering retirement at the conclusion of this tennis season, advanced by sweeping 19th seed Jasmine Paolini 6-3, 6-3.
