SportDraft
Williams sisters fall in Cincinnati Open doubles return after four-year absence
The pair, who received wildcard entries, lost 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 in their first competitive doubles appearance since the 2022 US Open.
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Event
Williams sisters lose Cincinnati Open doubles tie-break
Serena and Venus Williams suffered a defeat against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in their first doubles match together in four years at the Cincinnati Open. The sisters, who received a wildcard entry, lost 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 after Venus committed a double fault while saving a match point in the tie-break. The pair had previously been scheduled to play at Wimbledon but delayed their partnership due to a knee injury sustained by Serena.
2 published stories · tennis · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
Serena and Venus Williams were defeated by Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in their first doubles match together in four years at the Cincinnati Open. The sisters, who received wildcard entries, lost 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 after Venus Williams committed a double fault while saving a match point in the tie-break. The partnership was delayed from its original Wimbledon schedule due to a knee injury sustained by Serena Williams. This match marked the sisters' first competitive appearance together since the 2022 US Open.
event-brief
Williams sisters lose Cincinnati Open doubles tie-break
Serena and Venus Williams were defeated by Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in their first doubles match together in four years at the Cincinnati Open. The sisters, who received wildcard entries, lost 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 after Venus Williams committed a double fault while saving a mat
Reporting trail
Yahoo Sports | https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/serena-williams-venus-doubles-cincinnati-open-peyton-stearns-marta-kostyuk-b3034677.html | published 2026-08-18T07:18:17.000Z | primary sourceSky Sports | https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13574212/cincinnati-open-serena-williams-and-sister-venus-williams-lose-thriller-in-first-doubles-match-together-since-2022 | published Tue, 18 Aug 2026 06:30:00 BST | primary sourceSky Sports | Primary source for match score, quotes, and tournament details.
Fact cards
entity brief
Williams sisters lose Cincinnati Open doubles tie-break: key people and institutions
Key entities: Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Marta Kostyuk, Peyton Stearns, Cincinnati Open, Wimbledon, US Open.
faq brief
Williams sisters lose Cincinnati Open doubles tie-break: key questions
Who defeated the Williams sisters in their Cincinnati Open doubles match? Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. What was the final score of the match? 2-6, 6-1, 10-8. Why was the partnership delayed from Wimbledon? Serena Williams sustained a knee injury during her singles campaign.
source brief
Williams sisters lose Cincinnati Open doubles tie-break: reporting sources
Yahoo Sports | https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/serena-williams-venus-doubles-cincinnati-open-peyton-stearns-marta-kostyuk-b3034677.html | published 2026-08-18T07:18:17.000Z | primary source | Sky Sports | https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13574212/cincinnati-
timeline brief
Williams sisters lose Cincinnati Open doubles tie-break: timeline
2022 US Open: Serena and Venus Williams last competed together in doubles before this event. July 2026: Serena Williams attempted a singles comeback at Wimbledon but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. 2026-08-18: Serena and Venus Williams, receiving wildcard entries, pl
Timeline
2022 US Open
Serena and Venus Williams last competed together in doubles before this event.
July 2026
Serena Williams attempted a singles comeback at Wimbledon but was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.
2026-08-18
Serena and Venus Williams, receiving wildcard entries, played their first doubles match together in four years at the Cincinnati Open.
2026-08-18
The Williams sisters lost to Kostyuk and Stearns 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 in a tie-break decided by a Venus Williams double fault.
2026-08-30
The US Open is scheduled to begin, where the sisters will require wildcards to compete.
FAQ
Who defeated the Williams sisters in their Cincinnati Open doubles match?
Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns.
What was the final score of the match?
2-6, 6-1, 10-8.
Why was the partnership delayed from Wimbledon?
Serena Williams sustained a knee injury during her singles campaign.
How long had it been since the sisters played doubles together?
Four years, since the 2022 US Open.
What was the decisive moment in the match?
Venus Williams committed a double fault while saving a match point in the tie-break.
How did Serena Williams describe her intentions for the tournament?
She stated she did not enter with the intention of winning, but to enjoy the experience and shake off rust.
When was the last time the Williams sisters played doubles together?
Their previous doubles partnership was at the 2022 US Open.
How did the match conclude?
The Williams sisters lost the deciding tie-break 10-8 after Venus Williams committed a double fault while trailing 6-0 in the tie-break.
What was Serena Williams' perspective on the tournament?
She described the match as "fun" and "special," stating she did not enter with the primary aim of winning.
Who do Kostyuk and Stearns face next?
They will advance to face third seeds Guo Hanyu and Kristina Mladenovic.