Kenin Beats Venus Williams at US Open

Sofia Kenin beats Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(7) in the 2026 US Open first round on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the WTA reported. The match began at 12:13 a.m., the latest start in US Open history, after both Americans waited through Novak Djokovic's 4-hour, 36-minute five-set loss to Mariano Navone. Kenin is through to the second round in New York. Venus is out of singles.

Williams, 46, was playing her record-extending 26th US Open main draw. She won this title in 2000 and 2001. Kenin, 27, is the 2020 Australian Open champion. Both entered as wild cards. The desk already had the Venus Williams vs Sofia Kenin preview. Sunday night (into Monday) delivered the result: Kenin in two tight sets, 1 hour and 48 minutes.

How did Sofia Kenin beat Venus Williams?

Kenin jumped Venus early. The WTA said Williams fell behind by two breaks at 3-0 in the first set, clawed back to 3-2, then lost the set 6-2. In the second, Kenin broke for 3-1 and had Williams down break point at 4-2. Venus saved it, won three straight games, and led 5-4. She held three set points on Kenin's serve in the 10th game and could not convert.

At 5-5 Venus saved four break points to lead 6-5. Kenin held to force the tiebreak. Williams led 6-2 in the breaker and earned four more set points. Kenin saved every one, then converted her first match point. That is seven set points saved in the second set, including from 6-2 down in the tiebreak. Kenin finished with 28 winners and 21 unforced errors. Venus hit 13 winners and 24 unforced errors, per the WTA.

What is next for Kenin at the US Open?

Kenin draws Jessica Pegula, the No. 3 seed, who beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2 in Sunday's day session. Pegula leads the head-to-head 4-2 and beat Kenin in the second round of the 2024 US Open on the way to the final, the WTA noted. The desk already had Pegula beats Ruse at the US Open. Kenin is looking for back-to-back tournament wins for the first time in 2026. It was only her sixth WTA main-draw win of the year. She is 21-13 in Slam main draws.

Venus still has doubles with Serena later in the week. She told reporters she was focused on recovering from "this completely insane evening" and getting ready for the next one, the WTA wrote. Searchers typing Kenin beats Venus or Venus Williams US Open result want the score, the clock, and the set-point steal. 6-2, 7-6(7). 12:13 a.m. start. Seven set points saved. That is the night.

Kenin beats Venus Williams FAQ

What was the Kenin vs Venus Williams score? Sofia Kenin defeated Venus Williams 6-2, 7-6(7) in the 2026 US Open first round on Arthur Ashe, per the WTA. The match lasted 1 hour 48 minutes.

Why did the match start so late? It began at 12:13 a.m., the latest start in US Open history, after Djokovic's 4:36 five-set loss to Navone delayed the night session, the WTA reported.

Who does Sofia Kenin play next? No. 3 Jessica Pegula, who beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3, 6-2. Pegula leads the H2H 4-2 and beat Kenin at the 2024 US Open in round two.