‘Role models’ – Serena and Venus Williams’ exit after first-round loss at US Open goes viral

Serena Williams and Venus Williams crashed out of the women's doubles event at the US Open in the first round, but fans had a lot to say as they made their exit.

Serena Williams is the greatest tennis player ever for many fans. Her older sister Venus is incredibly accomplished in her own right, the two have won numerous Grand Slam titles between them.

The sisters are legends in women's doubles as well, having won 14 Grand Slams together. At the ages of 44 and 46, they entered the 2026 US Open as well, but lost in the first round.

The Williams sisters lost to Maya Joint and Chan Hao-ching in a hard-fought match. After losing the first set, then winning the second 7-6, they lost the third set in a tiebreaker.

Tennis fans were divided as the Williams sisters walked off US Open court after loss

Considering that the Williams sisters were not available to speak with the media after their loss, their walk off the court was the last that fans saw of them.

A video of their exit went viral on social media, with fans reacting to the duo they might not see on the courts again.

"Being fit at their age and still play a bit of tennis is incredible and entertaining," one fan wrote. "You better believe they changed the sport! What the Williams sisters did for women's tennis is invaluable!" said another.

"Love these sister athletes! Role models!" a third fan wrote. Not all the reactions were positive, however. A comment read, "These privileges have got to stop in tennis. Shouldn't be getting wildcards like that."

One fan wrote, "I love them, but it is officially time for them to stop playing seriously." Another added, "Legends of the game but no more wild cards, please."

Love them or hate them, there is no disputing that the Williams sisters are among the biggest legends in tennis history. If this is the last time they walk off the court together, it was a special moment.