Playing in their first doubles match together at the US Open since 2014, Venus and Serena Williams fell to Linda Nosková and Lucie Hradecká, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. But they didn’t let the loss stop them from appreciating the moment.
The sisters have won 14 grand slam doubles titles together, including two US Open titles, giving them the third-most of any women’s team in the Open era.
Serena, who is playing in what is expected to be her final tournament, had been the one to make the call for the duo to play together one more time, with Venus calling her “the boss.”
All the emotions after the Williams Sisters play what may be their final match together. pic.twitter.com/QnfQo96JGF— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2022
All the emotions after the Williams Sisters play what may be their final match together. pic.twitter.com/QnfQo96JGF
“We’re a huge influence on each other, and I’m a huge influence on her,” Venus said earlier in the week. But as for Serena’s so-called evolution away from tennis, Venus said that the decision needs to be made between Serena and her family.
“The newest part of the family, I guess I would say, because obviously we are family,” she said. “What matters most is to do things on her own terms.”
As for Serena, doing things on her own terms included playing doubles with her sister at least once more.
“I feel like it’s been very important for her to be a part of this,” Serena said Monday. “She’s my rock. I’m super excited to play with her and just do that again.”
Their entrance was met with a montage of a snapshot of their careers, narrated by Questlove, which attempted to sum up their doubles career in 71 seconds.
“This is a two-woman wrecking crew,” said Questlove in the montage. “Their impact on the game to vast to even begin to describe. We’ve all been too lucky, as for two decades we’ve watched two of the greatest athletes showing us how two can become one.”
While they led the tiebreak 5-3 in the first set, and dug their way out of a 4-1 hole in the second set, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Czech duo.
“Playing against the Williams sisters is a special moment for everybody, any time,” said the 17-year-old Nosková. “I was really lucky that I could pair with my doubles partner and we could win and put up a good fight.”
While Venus lost her first round match in singles, Serena will play in the third round against Ajla Tomljanović after toppling No. 2 Annett Kontaveit in the second round.