Venus Williams’ 25th US Open appearance ended in a valiant defeat.

At the age of 45, the two-time champion at Flushing Meadows played her first singles match in New York since 2023.

She faced a tough test against the world number 13 Karolina Muchova, who has reached the semifinals of the last two editions of the US Open.

Cheered on by a raucous crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Williams pushed Muchova to three sets before the Czech player pulled away.

Venus Williams of the United States acknowledges the crowd as she leaves the court after losing to Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic during their Women's Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2025 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesVenus Williams posts Instagram message after she was knocked out of the US Open

For the second time in her career, Venus Williams went head-to-head with Muchova.

The world number 13 took control of the match by winning the first set, but Williams produced some vintage tennis to dominate the second set.

After she levelled the match, the crowd roared with delight as Williams looked the favourite to clinch victory.

But Muchova composed herself brilliantly to storm through the deciding set and seal a 6-3 2-6 6-1 win.

Though Williams came up short, she is proud of the effort she put forth and this was reflected in the Instagram message she posted on Wednesday.

“The journey and love for the game never stops,” Williams wrote. “So thankful for the freedom I felt in my body and deeply moved by the continued support.”

Venus Williams hits a volley in training prior to the start of the US OpenPhoto by Al Bello/Getty ImagesVenus Williams’ 2025 US Open campaign is not over yet

Though Williams is out of the singles competition, she will now compete in the women’s doubles.

The former world number one has joined forces with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez to try and win what would be her third US Open women’s doubles title.

In total, Williams has 14 Grand Slam doubles titles to her name, all of which came alongside her sister Serena Williams.

Fernandez knows what it takes to have a deep Grand Slam doubles run after making the final of the 2023 French Open alongside Taylor Townsend.

They will commence their campaign against Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez, who are seeded sixth at the US Open this year.