Peyton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk defeated Venus and Serena Williams in a doubles match at the Cincinnati Open on Monday night [1, 2].
The match marked the first time the Williams sisters competed together in doubles since the 2022 U.S. Open [1, 2]. Their return to the court drew significant attention to the tournament, highlighting the enduring legacy of the sisters in professional tennis.
The pair of Stearns and Kostyuk won the match with a score of 6-2, 1-6, 10-8 [1]. The contest remained competitive through three sets, ending in a decisive tiebreak.
Serena Williams expressed positivity regarding the return to competition. "We had a great time on the court and are happy to be back," Williams said [1].
Venus Williams noted the effort the pair put into the match despite the outcome. "We gave it our all but fell short," Williams said [2].
For Stearns, the victory came with a mixed emotional experience regarding the atmosphere. "It stung a little not having the crowd behind me," Stearns said [3].
The event took place as part of the 2026 Cincinnati Open [2], also known as the Western & Southern Open. The tournament serves as a key stop for players preparing for the upcoming Grand Slam season.
“"We had a great time on the court and are happy to be back."”
The return of Venus and Serena Williams to doubles competition signals a potential shift in their late-career priorities, prioritizing the partnership over individual singles play. While the loss shows a gap in match rhythm after a four-year hiatus, the high-scoring tiebreak indicates the sisters remain competitive against current top-tier players.
