Serena and Venus Williams lose narrowly in doubles comeback at Cincinnati

Comeback on the big stage

For the sisters, who have won a total of 14 Grand Slam titles together in doubles, it was nevertheless an important first step back onto the tour. Both Serena and Venus had largely withdrawn from competitive tennis in recent years and had only made isolated appearances.

At 4:4 in the deciding set, Venus Williams had to fend off two break points on her own serve before the game was decided in the sisters' favor with an ace. However, the following service game of their opponents brought the score level again.

Reactions from spectators in the stadium showed that the sisters' return created a special atmosphere. Even during the discussion with the chair umpire about a controversial line call in the tiebreak, many fans once again demonstratively applauded the Williams sisters.

Singles and doubles in comparison

In singles, Serena Williams had already played the day before against Peyton Stearns and lost the match after a hard fight. Venus Williams had also not entered the singles in Cincinnati, but had focused on the doubles together.

The duo worked visibly together especially in the serve and at the net. Several times Serena and Venus high-fived each other after won rallies, reminiscent of earlier doubles successes at Grand Slams when the two dominated doubles.

Coaches and support staff in the background also indicated that the sisters' form curve is already pointing slightly upward after only a few joint training sessions in Cincinnati. An official statement from the camp after the match is still pending.

A look ahead to the US Open

The tournament in Cincinnati is considered one of the most important preparatory events before the US Open, which begin on Monday next week in New York. Traditionally, top players use the hard-court week in the state of Ohio to build match fitness and competitive match practice.

The question of how many joint appearances the sisters are still planning this year remained unanswered late in the evening. Both Williams sisters had recently announced that they want to use the year 2026 to gradually find their way back into everyday competitive play.