Venus Williams battles in combined doubles return as US Open crowds rejoice her comeback

Venus Williams made her long-awaited return to the US Open on Tuesday, competing within the event’s new-look combined doubles occasion.

At 45 years previous, the American icon partnered with fellow countryman Reilly Opelka however fell simply quick in a spirited effort, shedding 2-4, 5-4 (4) to the formidable pairing of Andrey Rublev and Karolina Muchova.

For Williams, it was her first look at Flushing Meadows since 2023, marking one other chapter in her outstanding comeback. Earlier this summer time, she re-entered the skilled circuit after greater than a yr away, starting on the Citi Open in Washington, D.C.

Whereas her return was greeted with widespread pleasure, it was Tuesday’s match in New York that introduced certainly one of tennis’ most enduring stars again to the stage she has graced for practically three a long time.

The Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd welcomed Williams and Opelka with thunderous applause, wanting to see flashes of the dominance that has earned her seven Grand Slam singles titles and cemented her as one of many sport’s greats.

Flashes of brilliance regardless of defeat

The opening set was a problem for the American duo, as Rublev and Muchova shortly seized management.

Williams, who was damaged early, discovered herself below stress towards the heavy groundstrokes of the boys’s world No. 15. Nevertheless, the second set advised a unique story.

Williams battled by way of break factors at each 1-1 and 3-3, thrilling the group when she ripped an ace previous Rublev to power deuce. She then adopted with a robust service recreation towards Muchova, organising Opelka, towering at 6-foot-11, for a scientific smash on the internet.

The Individuals fought bravely within the tiebreak, using Opelka’s highly effective serve to seize a slim lead. However at 4-4, Williams netted a volley, shifting momentum to their opponents.

Rublev and Muchova capitalized on the error, closing out the match and shifting on to face Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori within the quarterfinals.

Regardless of the loss, Williams’ aggressive spirit and flashes of brilliance reminded followers of her pedigree.

Waiting for singles

Past doubles, Williams is about to enter the singles draw after receiving a wild card, turning into the oldest singles participant on the US Open since 1981.

Whereas latest outcomes have been combined, a first-round exit on the Cincinnati Open contrasted with a robust win over Peyton Stearns in Washington, her presence alone underscores her outstanding longevity.

The revamped combined doubles format itself has attracted important star energy this yr, together with Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Emma Raducanu.

Nonetheless, the occasion has additionally suffered from withdrawals, with Jannik Sinner pulling out simply hours earlier than his scheduled match on Tuesday.

For Williams, nevertheless, the main target stays on competing on the highest degree. Although victory eluded her in combined doubles, her return to Flushing Meadows was a celebration of resilience, expertise, and the enduring connection she shares with New York crowds.