Serena and Venus Williams out of US Open 2022 doubles

02 September,2022 09:01 AM IST |  New York  |  AFP

Serena and Venus Williams` glittering Grand Slam doubles career was brought to an abrupt end at the US Open 2022 as the reunited sisters crashed out in the first round against Czech duo Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova

USA`s Serena Williams (L) and Venus Williams leave the court after their loss against Czech Republic`s Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova during their 2022 US Open Tennis tournament. Photo/AFP


Serena and Venus Williams' glittering Grand Slam doubles career was brought to an abrupt end at the US Open 2022 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 is almost certainly their final outing 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 together in a doubles tournament since 2018.

But they were handed a wild card into the draw for this year's US Open 2022 just weeks after Serena indicated she planned to retire following the tournament. On Wednesday, Serena kept her US Open 2022 singles campaign alive with a roller coaster, never-say-die performance, sending the Arthur Ashe faithful into raptures on a night of high drama. But there was a more subdued atmosphere on Thursday as the two sisters took center-stage together to open the night session. While Serena showed flashes of the sort of brilliance that has studded her singles performances this week, elder sister Venus struggled to find her best form against the Czech duo.

Also Read: US Open 2022: Nick Kygrios claims fans were smoking marijuana

The Williams sisters were unable to take advantage of two opportunities to gain a crucial service break in the first set, and paid the price as Hradecka and Noskova clinched the tie break. Buoyed by their opening set performance, the Czechs scored an early break in the second and were soon 4-1 ahead with victory beckoning. The Williams' were determined not to go down without a fight however and after holding serve dug out a service break and held again to level at 4-4. But hopes of an epic comeback were snuffed out rapidly with Noskova comfortably holding serve for a 5-4 lead.

The Czech duo then took three match points at 0-40 on Serena's serve, converting on the second opportunity to clinch victory. Serena will return to Flushing Meadows on Friday aiming to extend her singles campaign with a third round clash against Australia's Ajla Tomljanovic.

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
serena williams tennis news sports news us open
Related Stories