Serena and
The 14th-seeded pair of Joint and Chan secured the victory with a 6-3, 6-7(6), 7-6(10-7) scoreline after more than three hours of play. While the result marked an early exit for the American icons, the atmosphere inside the stadium remained electric, with the crowd cheering every point won by the sisters in what served as a tribute to their enduring influence on the sport.
A nostalgic return to the spotlight
Entering the court with matching pink bags and a customized bomber jacket worn by 44-year-old Serena, the sisters showcased the competitive spirit that defined their dominance over the last two decades. Together, the duo has claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, three Olympic gold medals, and two U.S. Open crowns. The decision to reunite for this tournament, which Serena noted was inspired by her daughter, brought a sense of occasion that transcended the final score.
The match itself was a grueling test of endurance. After Joint and Chan took the opening set, the Williams sisters rallied in the second, feeding off the vocal support of the home crowd to force a deciding super tiebreak. Although the Americans matched their younger opponents shot-for-shot, the 14th seeds managed to edge ahead in the final moments to seal the win.
Reflecting on a legendary legacy
For 20-year-old Maya Joint, the experience of sharing the court with her childhood idols was profound. Having previously faced Serena in a singles match at Wimbledon, Joint expressed her admiration for the pair, noting that growing up in Michigan, she had long viewed both sisters as her primary inspirations in tennis. The match served as a significant moment for the younger generation of players to compete against the icons who shaped the modern game.
The Williams sisters arrived in New York following a brief preparation period, which included a three-set loss in Cincinnati to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. Serena had also previously participated in a mixed doubles run with Carlos Alcaraz, reaching the quarter-finals. With no confirmation regarding future appearances as a pair, the Friday night match provided a memorable chapter for fans, defined by the familiar sight of the sisters standing side-by-side on the grandest stage in tennis.
