Why Venus Williams was allowed to start US Open match after midnight as unwanted history made

Venus Williams made unwanted history at the US Open after her first-round match against Sofia Kenin did not begin until after midnight.

The two-time US Open champion lost in straight sets to the 27-year-old, 6-2, 7-6, meaning she will now turn her attention to the doubles tournament, where she will compete alongside her sister Serena.

Williams has endured a difficult 2026, with a record of 0-12, while she is 1-15 since last summer after requiring wild cards to enter a number of events because of her ranking.

Her defeat to Kenin was not necessarily a major surprise, but the extraordinary circumstances surrounding the match became one of the biggest talking points of the night.

Williams and Kenin began their match at 12:13am ET, making it the latest start for a women's match in US Open history.

The contest eventually finished at 2:01am, later than any previous first-round match in Grand Slam history.

Williams was far from impressed with the scheduling and admitted the remarkably late start complicated her preparations.

"It wasn't ideal," she said. "I definitely would have preferred something else. I think it wasn't good for either of us, so we both tried our best.

"I don't know of any other sport where you have to start so late. I definitely think there's room for improvement."

Why was Venus Williams' US Open match allowed to start after midnight?

So how could a Grand Slam match be allowed to begin at 12:13am?

Unlike Wimbledon, where an 11pm curfew prevents matches continuing deep into the night and means unfinished contests must be completed the following day, the US Open does not operate under an equivalent curfew.

The US Open night session also features two matches on the same court - typically one men's and one women's contest - meaning the second match can be significantly delayed if the first runs long.

That is exactly what happened to Williams and Kenin.

Novak Djokovic's first-round match against Mariano Navone was played on the court beforehand and developed into a marathon contest lasting more than four-and-a-half hours.

Djokovic eventually suffered a shock first-round defeat, but the length of the match pushed Williams and Kenin deep into the night.

With no Wimbledon-style curfew forcing organisers to suspend play until the following day, the pair were still able to take to the court after midnight.

The issue of late finishes in tennis has attracted criticism from players in recent years, and Williams has now added her voice to those questioning whether changes are needed.

Venus Williams questions US Open scheduling after historic match

Williams' comments were particularly striking given the unusual situation she found herself in.

At 46, the seven-time Grand Slam champion was required to prepare for a major singles match at a time when most sporting events would already have finished.

Her match ultimately lasted until shortly after 2am, leaving Williams to question why tennis continues to allow players to compete so late.

"I don't know of any other sport where you have to start so late," she said.

"I definitely think there's room for improvement."

Williams will now turn her attention to the doubles competition as her US Open campaign continues alongside sister Serena.