Williams Sisters Return to Doubles; Rybakina Calls for Calendar Reform
Williams Sisters Make Doubles Comeback
The Williams sisters enjoyed a nostalgic return to doubles competition at Cincinnati, reuniting for the first time since 2022. Though their campaign ended in defeat, Venus and Serena described the experience as enjoyable, emphasizing their ability to find their rhythm together on court. The outing comes as the US Open extends a wildcard invitation to Venus, while Serena remains noncommittal about participating in the year's final Grand Slam.
Mixed Doubles Field Finalized; Calendar Concerns Mount
Eleven of the sixteen mixed doubles teams have been confirmed for the US Open, as preparations continue for the season's conclusion. Meanwhile, Elena Rybakina has become the latest prominent voice calling for significant changes to the 2028 calendar, citing ongoing scheduling chaos that has disrupted player preparation and competition flow. Her intervention underscores growing frustration within the professional tennis community over fixture congestion.
Cincinnati Action Continues
At Cincinnati, Amanda Anisimova advanced past Alex Eala in singles action, while Iga Swiatek opened her campaign with a straight-sets victory. Novak Djokovic's fitness struggles at the event have raised fresh questions about the veteran's physical resilience as he navigates the demanding professional circuit.
Today's tennis headlines
- US Open saves 1 wild card; Serena noncommittal — espn.com
- Venus Williams given US Open singles wildcard - will Serena join her? — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Amanda Anisimova rallies past Alex Eala — espn.com
- Williams sisters 'find our way to each other' but lose on doubles return — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- Serena, Venus enjoy 'fun' return to doubles in loss — espn.com
- Williams sisters come unstuck in Cincinnati in first doubles outing together since 2022 — theguardian.com
- Arthur Fery gives Alex de Minaur stern test before bowing out in Cincinnati — theguardian.com
- Fery named in GB Davis Cup team to face Ecuador — feeds.bbci.co.uk
- 11 of 16 mixed doubles teams set for US Open — espn.com
- Swiatek starts Cincy Open with straight-sets win — espn.com
- Elena Rybakina leads call for changes to 2028 calendar after schedule chaos — theguardian.com
- Djokovic’s medical malaise in Cincinnati exposes fraying edges of ageing great’s game — theguardian.com