Williams sisters’ long-awaited return ends in heartbreak

Serena and Venus Williams reunited on the doubles court for the first time since 2022, delivering an entertaining battle in Cincinnati before narrowly falling to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns.

Playing in front of a packed crowd in Ohio, the Williams sisters lost 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 after fighting back strongly in the deciding 10-point tie-break.

The sisters showed flashes of their trademark chemistry despite some early rust. After falling 6-0 behind in the deciding tie-break, Serena and Venus mounted an impressive comeback, levelling the score before Kostyuk and Stearns held their nerve to secure victory.

The match marked Serena’s first appearance since her return to tennis at Wimbledon, where she suffered a knee injury during her first-round singles defeat and was forced to withdraw from a planned doubles appearance alongside Venus.

Venus described the reunion as a special moment, saying the sisters had “waited a long time” to share the doubles court again.

For Serena, the occasion was equally meaningful. Despite the defeat, she said it was “fun” and “special” to play alongside her sister again.

With the US Open set to begin on August 30, the Williams sisters would require wildcards to compete in either singles or doubles at the tournament.