Venus Williams’ run at the US Open is over after defeat alongside Leylah Fernandez to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in the women’s doubles.
The 45-year-old was aiming to win her first grand slam title since 2017 and looked to be full of confidence after striking up a partnership with Fernandez, but the wildcards were comprehensively beaten by the more established pair of Townsend and Siniakova, 6-1 6-2.
Later, Novak Djokovic continues his bid for a 25th grand slam singles title against Taylor Fritz, the last American standing in the men’s draw. Djokovic has won all 10 matches he has played against Fritz, but the fourth seed reached the final last season.
Also in the men’s singles, Carlos Alcaraz was in sensational form as he dismissed Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-2 6-4 in just under two hours, as the Spaniard responded to Jannik Sinner’s trashing of Alexander Bublik to pull off an eye-catching win of his own.
In the women’s singles, former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova withdrew from the US Open with an injury before facing Aryna Sabalenka in the quarter-finals. Defending champion Sabalenka goes through to face fourth seed Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year’s final.
Follow the latest scores and updates from the US Open below:
US Open LIVE: Latest scores and updates
- Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez beaten by Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova
- Top seeds bring down Williams and Fernandez in 6-1 6-2 win
- Brilliant Carlos Alcaraz defeats Jiri Lehecka 6-4 6-2 6-4 to reach US Open semi-finals
- Jessica Pegula returns to US Open semi-finals with 6-3 6-3 win over Barbora Krejcikova
- Marketa Vondrousova pulls out of US Open quarter-final before facing Aryna Sabalenka
- Novak Djokovic meets Taylor Fritz in night session later
- US Open order of play
Standing ovation for and respect for Venus Williams
00:18 , Jamie BraidwoodWhen the match finished after 56 minutes in Louis Armstrong Stadium, Williams smiled as she walked to the net to shake hands with Siniakova, then hug Townsend.
Thousands of spectators rose to give Williams a standing ovation; Townsend and Siniakova then joined in, applauding for Williams.
"Growing up watching Venus and (her sister) Serena, for me and my sister, it was an inspiration," Townsend told the crowd. "It was an honor to share the court today."
Siniakova called Williams "a legend" and said it was "a privilege" to play against her.
Taylor Townsend with all the respect for Venus Williams 💙 pic.twitter.com/f4EkmW17yB
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
Venus Williams exits US Open
23:54 , Jamie BraidwoodVenus Williams leaves the court with a huge smile on her face.
She played in the singles, the doubles and the mixed doubles.
Will she be back next year at the age of 46?
From mixed doubles to singles to doubles, it's been great to have you back @Venuseswilliams 💙 pic.twitter.com/rtoQ3mrzzK
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
It’s been quite the tournament for Taylor Townsend and it would be a cool story if she and Katerina Siniakova went all the way in the doubles.
The American is full of class as she applauds Venus Williams off the court and said she and Serena were an inspiration to her.
“Growing up watching Venus and Serena, they were an inspiration and we wanted to be like them. It was an honour to share the court with her today.”
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Venus Williams out of US Open
23:47 , Jamie BraidwoodA standing ovation for Venus Williams as the curtain comes down on her 2025 US Open.
A comprehensive defeat alongside Leylah Fernandez to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova, who were far too good.
Townsend and Siniakova win 6-1 6-2 but turn to applaud Williams as she makes her way off the court.
The reception continues as Williams and Fernandez disappear. Was this her last appearance at the US Open?
Townsend and Siniakova a game away
23:42 , Jamie BraidwoodA clever leave from Siniakova, as she watches a Williams lob drop over her head, is followed by a thumping ace from Townsend.
Fernandez will need to hold serve for her and Williams to stay in the match.
They trail 6-1 5-2.
With Townsend and Siniakova surely getting through here, all four of the top-seeded pairs will be through to the semi-finals of the US Open mixed doubles.
The top seeds stretch their lead to 6-1 4-1 as Townsend dominates Fernandez at the net.
Townsend and Siniakova break to lead second set
23:23 , Jamie BraidwoodA stunning move from Siniakova to read a forehand from Venus Williams and dispatch the volley, as the top seeds earn the break to start the second set.
They lead 6-1 2-0.
FIRST SET! Townsend and Siniakova lead 6-1
23:12 , Jamie BraidwoodThere is almost silence on Louis Armstrong Stadium. Townsend and Siniakova have a brilliant partnership and the top seeds are spoiling the fairytale with a ruthless performance.
They break the Fernandez serve and are a set away from the semi-finals.
Williams and Fernandez on the board
23:05 , Jamie BraidwoodThere are loud roars as Venus Williams holds her serve with a thumping strike down the middle. The crowd are desperate to get behind the 45-year-old.
They trail 1-4, down a double-break, with Townsend to serve next.
Townsend and Siniakova off to a flyer
22:57 , Jamie BraidwoodNow Townsend and Siniakova break the serve of Fernandez, to move 3-0 ahead in the opening set.
They’ve won 12 of the first 13 points.
Williams and Fernandez broken in first game of quarter-final
22:54 , Jamie BraidwoodLouis Armstrong Stadium is packed for this women’s doubles match. It would have been difficult to move it onto Ashe and deny those who had waited.
But Townsend and Siniakova have made an early statement to show why they are the No 1 seeds. They break the serve of Venus Williams in her opening game.
Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez return to double action
22:50 , Jamie BraidwoodThe schedule has not changed and Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez will take on Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova as planned on Louis Armstrong Arena.
That is now underway.
Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz will now get underway shortly after 8pm local time.
Sabalenka sends message to Vondrousova after US Open withdrawal
22:38 , Jamie BraidwoodVondrousova was seen in tears on the practice courts as she made the decision to withdraw from the match. The 26-year-old Czech has struggled with injuries during her career, particularly after her Wimbledon title in 2023.
Sabalenka remains on court to defend her US Open title and posted on Instagram: “So sorry for Marketa after all she’s been through. She has been playing amazing tennis and I know how badly this must hurt for her.”
Sabalenka added: “Take care of yourself and I hope you can recover quickly”.
Revised schedule to come for tonight's US Open night session
22:28 , Jamie BraidwoodVondrousova’s match against Sabalenka had been scheduled in the first match of the night session on Arthur Ashe Arena. The US Open said a revised schedule for tonight’s session would follow.
Novak Djokovic and Taylor Fritz were scheduled to play in the second match of the night session, but there is also Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez’s doubles match against top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova to consider.
BREAKING NEWS: Marketa Vondrousova pulls out of US Open quarter-final before facing Aryna Sabalenka
22:20 , Jamie BraidwoodMarketa Vondrousova has pulled out of her US Open quarter-final against Aryna Sabalenka due to injury, giving the World No 1 a walkover into the next round.
Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon champion who missed last year’s US Open due to injury, had beaten Jasmine Paolini and Elena Rybakina to reach the quarter-finals.
Defending champion Sabalenka goes through to play fourth seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, in a rematch of last year’s US Open final.
Carlos Alcaraz on No 1 ranking: 'Not gonna think about it'
22:03 , Jamie BraidwoodIf Carlos Alcaraz plays Jannik Sinner in the US Open final, the men’s No 1 ranking will be on the line as well as the title.
But Alcaraz admits that thinking about the No 1 spot would be too much pressure to go along with the nerves of a grand slam tournament.
“It’s really difficult not to think about it. Every time I step on court I try not to think about it.
“If I think about the No 1 spot too much I’m gonna put pressure on myself. I just want to step on the court and try to do my thing.
“Follow my goals on the match. Try to enjoy as much as I can. The No 1 is there but I’m trying not to think much about it.”
Serena Williams 'coaching Venus and Fernandez' from afar
21:44 , Jamie BraidwoodVenus Williams revealed that Serena is “coaching from afar” during her US Open mixed doubles run.
“She's so excited. She gets so nervous watching, and she's got the kids watching, they're all at home, just really on our side.
“We've got like three coaches now. Serena's on the coaching team.”
Venus Williams calls for Serena to ‘show up’ for next US Open match as run continues
21:28 , Jamie BraidwoodVenus Williams called on her sister Serena Williams to “show up” for her next match at the US Open after reaching the quarter-finals of the women’s doubles with Leylah Fernandez.
Williams, 45, took a wildcard into the tournament but continued her run with 22-year-old Canadian Fernandez as they defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3 6-4 at a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday.
Will we see an appearance from Serena shortly?
Venus Williams calls for Serena to ‘show up’ for next US Open match as run continues
Coming up at US Open
21:13 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter back-to-back straight-sets wins, there’s now no play on Arthur Ashe Stadium until 7pm local time when Aryna Sabalenka plays Marketa Vondrousova. That will be followed by Novak Djokovic vs Taylor Fritz.
On Louis Armstrong, Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez will be in action shortly against Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.
They follow the match between Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani, and the Italian pair have just won the set 6-1.
Carlos Alcaraz through to US Open semi-finals
21:11 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz made 28 winners to just 17 unforced errors in defeating Lehecka. Sublime.
Alcaraz also won 84 per cent of his first-serve points, and he did not face a break point.
The passion and then the smile
20:58 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz pulls out his now trademark golf celebration after returning to the US Open semi-finals.
Carlos Alcaraz still yet to drop a set at US Open
20:43 , Jamie BraidwoodThe Spaniard is through to the semi-finals of a grand slam without dropping a set for the first time.
He’s been in brilliant form so far but that performances against Lehecka was the best yet.
11 wins on the bounce and Carlitos is into his 8th Grand Slam semifinal! pic.twitter.com/2V7kVcsayj
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
Carlos Alcaraz '100 per cent' going to play golf after US Open win
20:38 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has two days off now before his semi-final on Friday.
He says he will “100 per cent” be playing golf during one of those days, and confirms he will be playing with Masters champion Sergio Garcia, who is watching courtside on Arthur Ashe.
Alcaraz is through to his ninth grand slam semi-final, and his third at the US Open. He will play either Novak Djokovic or Taylor Fritz... yes please!
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 6-4 Jiri Lehecka
20:33 , Jamie BraidwoodJUST TOO GOOD!
Remarkable tennis from Carlos Alcaraz to beat Jiri Lehecka in straight sets and return to the US Open semi-finals.
That was two hours of highlight-reel tennis from the Spaniard, and he finishes it with a forehand winner blasted into the open court!
Sensational from Alcaraz.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 5-4 Jiri Lehecka
20:30 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz gets the breakthrough and will serve for the semi-finals!
Lehecka, facing another 30-30, blinked on the forehand. On the break point, Alcaraz had to defend the baseline and move from side to side. But he dug in, and forces Lehecka to go for broke on the forehand, which is long!
A roar from Alcaraz and he is a game away.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 3-4 Jiri Lehecka
20:23 , Jamie BraidwoodLehecka holds from break point down, finding some accurate and powerful serving and then winning the net exchange with Alcaraz.
There’s a smile and nod between the players after Lehecka directed the final volley at Alcaraz’s body.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 3-3 Jiri Lehecka*
20:18 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz pulls Lehecka into the net with the drop shot, then puts away the volley into the open court.
He is cruising on serve and just needs that break to get over the line in this third set.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 1-2 Jiri Lehecka
20:06 , Jamie BraidwoodAnother wonderful hold from Lehecka, again from 0-30 down. He finds a flicked backhand overhead and the finishes the game with another serve-volley approach. The put-away was stylish.
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 0-1 Jiri Lehecka
20:00 , Jamie BraidwoodThe writing looked to be on the wall for Lehecka as he faced 0-30 in the opening game.
But he switches things up with some serving and volleying, squeezing some errors out of Alcaraz.
It still looks pretty bleak for the Czech. Alcaraz has never lost from two sets up at a grand slam.
SECOND SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 6-2 Jiri Lehecka*
19:54 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz lands the ace out wide and runs away with the second set after a dazzling array of winners and volleys.
He has blown Lehecka away.
One set away from the semi-finals.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 5-2 Jiri Lehecka
19:51 , Jamie BraidwoodLehecka gives away the break with the double-fault but the damage had been done by Alcaraz before then.
A frustrated Lehecka was left shouting into his fist as Alcaraz popped a backhand winner past him to get to 0-30.
It was pretty ragged from Lehecka after that. He’s not playing badly, but Alcaraz’s level is too good.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 4-2 Jiri Lehecka*
19:46 , Jamie BraidwoodA chance for Lehecka on 0-30, but Alcaraz prevails while landing another stunning shot.
This time the Spaniard watched a dipping pass from Lehecka onto his strings, while ducking low to find the volley.
A gorgeous volley from Alcaraz.
Carlos Alcaraz.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 2, 2025
Human highlight reel. pic.twitter.com/80dNBXXqCX
*Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 3-2 Jiri Lehecka
19:39 , Jamie BraidwoodA good save from Lehecka, particularly after Alcaraz had reached a smash to his left to direct the backhand pass down the line.
Alcaraz was unable to do much on the two break points and Lehecka keeps himself in the picture.
Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 2-1 Jiri Lehecka*
19:32 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz has played 13 sets so far in New York and is yet to lose one. Could he make it to the semi-finals with a record of 15/15?
It would be an impressive achievement from Alcaraz, who in his young career has sometimes been accused of having lapses during matches.
There’s been no suggestion of that so far.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 1-0 Jiri Lehecka
19:24 , Jamie BraidwoodA nightmare start to the second set for Lehecka, who had been growing into the match only to lose his serve in the opening game for the second set in a row.
The Czech got caught at the net and pushed his volley long. He then clips a net cord and Alcaraz is able to pretty much put it away to get the early advantage.
FIRST SET! Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Jiri Lehecka*
19:17 , Jamie BraidwoodLehecka steers a backhand winner down the line on the opening point then has a great chance to move 0-30 up.
But Alcaraz responds to his approach to find the angle at the net and then direct the backhand past the Czech.
We’ve had a few good points in this set but it’s Alcaraz who converts the opening break to take it, 6-4.
It comes on the third set point and after an aggressive approach from Alcaraz, who pumps his fist.
*Carlos Alcaraz 5-4 Jiri Lehecka
19:10 , Jamie BraidwoodLehecka hits his shot of the match so far with a forehand on the run nailed crosscourt.
He follows in another forehand to miss Alcaraz into the miss at the net and holds to force Alcaraz to serve it out.
*Carlos Alcaraz 4-3 Jiri Lehecka
19:04 , Jamie BraidwoodIt was important Alcaraz broke Lehecka when he did. If the Czech can bring this level of serving into the second set, it could get interesting. He finds a 110mph kicker out wide that Alcaraz couldn’t reach, then flashes a forehand winner.
Carlos Alcaraz 4-2 Jiri Lehecka*
18:57 , Jamie BraidwoodLehecka thumps a couple of big serves to hold. The Czech had struggled in his first couple of games but looks to have settled now.
Alcaraz looks right at home under the sun and in front of a big crowd. He crushes back-to-back winners on both wings and then holds with an ace out wide.
*Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 Jiri Lehecka
18:49 , Jamie BraidwoodThere was a chance for Alcaraz as Lehecka double-faulted on 30-30 and the Spaniard ramped up his forehand speed.
Alcaraz went to for the forehand winner but pushes wide. Lehecka steadies and holds to to get on the board.
Carlos Alcaraz 2-0 Jiri Lehecka*
18:45 , Jamie BraidwoodAlcaraz runs around the backhand and then blasts a sensational forehand winner down the line.
Alcaraz turns to the crowd and nods his head. He’s found his groove already.
BREAK! *Carlos Alcaraz 1-0 Jiri Lehecka
18:42 , Jamie BraidwoodA double-fault from Lehecka on the second deuce point brings up a second break point of the opening game. The Czech had fended off the first, but Alcaraz’s backhand bunt down the line appeared to have drifted long.
There’s no call but Lehecka shoots a long stare at the baseline and has a word with the umpire after finding the net. Alcaraz breaks to lead.
Carlos Alcaraz 0-0 Jiri Lehecka*
18:34 , Jamie BraidwoodThe 23-year-old Lehecka, who is a year older than Alcaraz, will be making his Arthur Ashe Stadium debut today. You would imagine taking to the biggest court in the world against a star name like Alcaraz would be a daunting prospect, but let’s see how Lehecka handles it.
He will serve to start the match.
Carlos Alcaraz v Jiri Lehecka
18:24 , Jamie BraidwoodCarlos Alcaraz is the only player in the men’s draw yet to drop a set at the US Open.
The 2022 champion takes on 20th seed Jiri Lehecka in the next match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Lehecka is aiming for the biggest win of his career and his first grand slam semi-final.
Alcaraz won their last meeting in thus season’s Queen’s final.
Jessica Pegula through to second US Open semi-final
18:12 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter six defeats in her first six grand slam quarter-finals, Jessica Pegula has now won two out of two in the last two years of the US Open.
She reached the final last year, where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka, and there could yet be a rematch in the semi-finals.
Pegula has won 10/10 sets so far at the US Open.
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-3 Barbora Krejcikova
18:10 , Jamie BraidwoodJessica Pegula is back into the US Open semi-finals! For the second year in a row, Pegula makes it through to the last-four, where she will play either Aryna Sabalenka or Marketa Vondrousova.
A tough day for Barbora Krejcikova, who looked a little drained after marathon efforts in the previous two rounds. The Czech struggled on serve and a double fault brought up match point, where Krejcikova lost it on the forehand error.
*Jessica Pegula 6-3 4-3 Barbora Krejcikova
18:03 , Jamie BraidwoodKrejcikova gets one of the breaks back with an excellent return game, and roars as she finds the forehand winner.
The Czech is looking to come back from behind for the third match in a row. Pegula was 4-1 40-15 but her lead is back down to one game...
BREAK! *Jessica Pegula 6-3 4-1 Barbora Krejcikova
17:50 , Jamie BraidwoodA big moment for Pegula. Krejcikova misses a forehand by an inch or two and Pegula takes her chance on the break point, after saving from the Czech in the previous game.
Krejcikova goes long and Pegula moves a double-break up.
Jessica Pegula 6-3 3-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
17:46 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula fends off a break point from Krejcikova and recovers well to making the double-fault.
Pegula is aiming to reach what would be a second grand slam semi-final. Before last season’s US Open run to the final, the American had lost six straight quarter-finals at grand slams.
Jessica Pegula 6-3 2-1 Barbora Krejcikova*
17:38 , Jamie BraidwoodKrejcikova won on court for two hours and 30 minutes as she defeated Emma Navarro in the third round, then she was on court for over three hours as she saved eight match points in her win over Taylor Townsend.
She won both of those matches after dropping the first set, as well.
BREAK! *Jessica Pegula 6-3 1-0 Barbora Krejcikova
17:31 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula has won 17 of the 18 matches where she has won the first set at the US Open, and her chances of advancing to the semi-finals has just increased even further by breaking Krejcikova in the opening game of the second set.
Two double faults in that opening game from Krejcikova, who is broken to love and looks to have hit the wall after surviving a few long matches to reach the quarter-finals.
FIRST SET! Jessica Pegula 6-3 Barbora Krejcikova*
17:24 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula makes it nine sets in a row at this year’s US Open as she makes the breakthrough against Krejcikova.
A good hold to close it out with a couple of winners off the forehand side from 15-30 down.
BREAK! *Jessica Pegula 5-3 Barbora Krejcikova
17:21 , Jamie BraidwoodThe break swings back as Krejcikova makes double fault on 30-30 and then puts a backhand into the net.
Of the eight US Open quarter-finalists on the women’s side, all eight have reached a quarter-final of a major before and five of them are grand slam champions.
Pegula is one of the three who is looking for her first title, along with Amanda Ansimova and Karolina Muchova.
BREAK! Jessica Pegula 4-3 Barbora Krejcikova*
17:15 , Jamie BraidwoodAfter failing to convert break point in the last game, Pegula is broken by Krejcikova to get the first set back on serve. This is a bad game for Pegula to give away, too, making a double fault on 15-15 followed by forehand and backhand errors.
*Jessica Pegula 4-2 Barbora Krejcikova
17:13 , Jamie BraidwoodKrejcikova is serving under 50 per cent and it’s giving Pegula a lot of looks on the returns. The American brings up another break point but Krejcikova saves for the second game in a row to hold and stay in touch.
*Jessica Pegula 3-1 Barbora Krejcikova
17:00 , Jamie BraidwoodPegula is lasering the ball in the early stages and pushes for the double-break. Krejcikova roars as she saves with an ace down the middle.
BREAK! *Jessica Pegula 2-0 Barbora Krejcikova
16:49 , Jamie BraidwoodA rotten start for Krejcikova, who was under pressure from Pegula as the American found a forehand winner to move to 0-30.
Krejcikova then misses an overhead, appearing to lose the track of the ball in the sun, and double-faults when facing the first of three break points.
US Open order of play
16:47 , Jamie BraidwoodArthur Ashe Stadium
from 4.30pm
Jessica Pegula [4] vs Barbora Krejcikova
Jiří Lehecka [20] vs Carlos Alcaraz [2]
from midnight
Aryna Sabalenka [1] vs Marketa Vondrousova
Novak Djokovic [7] vs Taylor Fritz [4]
Louis Armstrong Stadium
Not before 4pm
Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova [1] vs Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez [WC]
Jessica Pegula v Barbora Krejcikova
16:40 , Jamie BraidwoodThe US Open quarter-finals kick off with last year’s runner-up Jessica Pegula against former Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Krejcikova, who is also a US Open doubles champion, saved eight match points in her win over American Taylor Townsend in the previous round.
Pegula has enjoyed a fairly straight-forward run so far, she is one of only four players to record more than 40 wins this season after Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina.
Krejcikova leads the head-to-head 2-1 against Pegula.
