The US Open is facing backlash after Venus Williams’ first-round match against fellow American Sofia Kenin started at 12:13 a.m. Monday. Williams lost again, marking her 15th straight tour-level singles defeat, while the late start, caused by a lengthy five-set match between Novak Djokovic and Mariano Navone earlier in the evening, sparked criticism from fans and former players over the tournament’s scheduling.
US Open Slammed Over Historic Midnight Start for Venus Williams and Sofia Kenin
The seven-time Grand Slam champion’s first-round match began after Djokovic’s four-hour, 36-minute five-set battle with Navone pushed the schedule deep into the night, with the Argentine defeating the four-time champion.
It was the latest start in US Open history, yet thousands of fans stayed inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to watch the 46-year-old make her record 26th appearance in the tournament.
Williams struggled early, falling 0-3 before briefly fighting back, but the former World No. 4 regained control to take the opening set 6-2. The second set was much closer, as Kenin’s unforced errors allowed Williams to stay in the contest, but the 2020 Australian Open champion held her nerve in the tiebreak to seal the win.
The match lasted 1 hour and 48 minutes, with Kenin winning 6-2, 7-6 (6). The defeat extended Williams’ tour-level losing streak to 15 matches, while she remains without a Grand Slam singles win since Wimbledon 2021.
The late start drew strong disapproval from fans, pundits, and former players, who called for changes to the US Open schedule.
Tennis journalist Simon Cambers did not mince words about the absurd situation, posting on X: “There is no way a grand slam tennis match should start so late. This is ridiculous.”
Another renowned journalist, Ben Rothenberg, highlighted the record it set. “This Venus-Kenin match is setting a new record for latest EVER start to a U.S. Open match. The previous record was 12:08 a.m. for Sabalenka-Alexandrova in 2024. This match started at 12:13 by my clock. This is dysfunctional.”
This Venus-Kenin match is setting a new record for latest EVER start to a U.S. Open match.
The previous record was 12:08 a.m. for Sabalenka-Alexandrova in 2024.
This match started at 12:13 by my clock.
This is dysfunctional.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) August 31, 2026
Meanwhile, former US Open champion Andy Roddick took a lighter view of the situation, praising Venus Williams for taking the court so late at 46. “Venus is 46 years old and going on the court. It’s 12:13 at night,” Roddick said on his “Served” podcast.
Comparing her schedule with his own, the 44-year-old joked that he was already heading to bed. “I am. At this very moment, I am happy that I retired 14 years ago when I was 30. Good night.”
The late-night scheduling was followed by another confusing decision from the US Open organizers as the match was at risk of being moved to Louis Armstrong Stadium, but the players ultimately chose to wait and keep it on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Broadcaster James Gray was stunned by the change, writing on X, “Absolutely staggering that they officially moved Williams vs Kenin to Armstrong… and then moved it back. Remarkable.”
Absolutely staggering that they officially moved Williams vs Kenin to Armstrong… and then moved it back.
Remarkable. https://t.co/doqWUZ9Hwv
— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) August 31, 2026
MORE: Venus Williams Raises Concerns After ‘Completely Insane Evening’ and 2 AM US Open Loss
An X user voiced the frustration felt by many: “@scambers73 Why does tennis shoot itself in the foot with their scheduling? The sport desperately needs to reformat how it distributes itself and engage with audiences. Putting a match on past midnight contains two grand slam championships is a loss for all stakeholders.”
Although her singles draw ended in disappointment, Venus will still compete in doubles alongside her sister, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams.
