Venus and Serena Williams fall to Hradecká/Noskova in US Open doubles first round

The dream run came to an end almost as soon as it began, as Venus Williams and Serena Williams lost to the team of Lucie Hradecká and Linda Noskova in the first round of the doubles event at the 2022 US Open.

The Czech duo were extremely aggressive in their 7-6(5) 6-4 win over the 14-time Grand Slam doubles champions, exhibiting sound teamwork and communication. Despite their pairing coming together at the last minute, they worked like a well-oiled machine in the two hour and 5 minute victory.

With this being their last appearance as a doubles team, the raucous crowd attempted to energize the Williams sisters during the match. Although they looked rusty at certain points, both Venus and Serena displayed shades of their former glory with rapid reflexes and exceptional court coverage. The Americans even held two set points with the Czech team serving at 4-5, but they failed to capitalize and a few errors cost the sisters the tiebreak.

The second set saw the team of Hradecká and Noskova race to a 3-0 lead, but the Williams sisters fought back to level the score at 4-4. However, the WTA legends were unable to prolong the match, as the Czech team increased their intensity during the subsequent return game to escape with the victory.

Although this is the end of the road for Venus at this year's Flushing Meadows event, the 41-year old has given no hint to when she'll hang up her racket. Conversely, younger sister Serena has announced her retirement after this year's US Open, but is still in the singles event, where she'll take on Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round on Friday night.