Serena and Venus Williams’ glittering Grand Slam two career was brought to an abrupt end at the United States Open on Thursday as the reunited sisters crashed out in the first round against Czech duo Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova.
The Williams sisters – in what was almost certainly their final out together as a Grand Slam doubles duo – slumped to a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 loss at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The American pair – winners of 14 Grand Slam crowns and three Olympic gold medals – had not played with in a doubles tournament since 2018.
But they were handed a wild card into the draw for this year’s US Open just weeks after Serena indicated she planned to retire following the tournament.
On Wednesday, Serena kept her US Open singles campaign alive with a roller coaster, never-say-die performance, sending the Arthur Ashe faithful into raptures on a night of high dramas.
But there was a more subdued atmosphere on Thursday as the two sisters took centre-stage together to open the night session.
While Serena showed flashes of the sort of brilliance that had studded her singles performances this week, elder sister Venus struggled to find her best form against the Czech duo.
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