Williams Sisters Fall In Cincinnati Doubles Comeback After 4-year Hiatus

Serena and Venus Williams lost their first doubles match together since 2022, falling 6-2, 1-6, 10-8 to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in a packed Cincinnati Open.

The 44-year-old Serena, playing her first match since Wimbledon, and Venus, 46, rallied from a 6-0 deficit in the decisive tie-break but ended on a double fault.

The sisters, who own 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic golds, last partnered at the 2022 U.S. Open—Serena’s final tournament before her initial retirement.

Serena, returning from a knee injury sustained at Wimbledon, called the match “fun” and “special” despite “a little rust.” Venus added, “We give each other so much grace.” The pair would need wildcards to play the U.S. Open starting Aug. 30.

In singles, No. 2 Elena Rybakina defeated Magdalena Frech 6-4, 7-6 (7-2) to reach the fourth round, while Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula also advanced.