Venus Williams was eliminated in the first round of the US Open after losing in straight sets to fellow American Sofia Kenin.

Williams, competing in New York after receiving a wild card, was beaten 6-2, 7-6 (8/6) in a late-night match on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The 46-year-old was playing at Flushing Meadows nearly three decades after reaching the US Open final as a teenager in 1997.

Kenin controlled much of the opening stages and won the first set 6-2.

The 27-year-old then moved 4-2 ahead in the second set and appeared to be closing in on a comfortable victory.

Kenin had an opportunity to extend her advantage further, but Williams responded with an impressive fightback.

The veteran recovered to force a tie-break, energising the crowd despite the match finishing shortly after 2am local time.

Williams then moved into a commanding 6-2 lead in the tie-break and appeared to be on the verge of forcing a deciding set.

Kenin, however, responded under pressure.

She won six consecutive points to overturn the deficit and close out the match in straight sets.

Williams saluted the crowd as she left the court after a competitive performance that demonstrated her ability to challenge a younger opponent despite the defeat.

The match began just after midnight following the conclusion of another lengthy contest in the night session.

Williams has not indicated when she intends to end her singles career.

Her most recent Grand Slam singles victory came at Wimbledon in 2021, where she advanced to the second round.

Since then, she has made six appearances in Grand Slam singles events and has been eliminated in the opening round each time.

Her US Open campaign is not yet finished, however.

Williams is scheduled to compete later in the women’s doubles alongside her sister Serena Williams.

The doubles appearance will give the former champion another opportunity to compete at a tournament that has played a major role throughout her long career.