The Williams sisters are back in the spotlight at the US Open, but not everyone is cheering. Serena and Venus Williams are set to headline Friday night's session at Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on Maya Joint and Hao-Ching Chan in the women's doubles first round. While the sisters' star power is undeniable, their placement in the marquee slot has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with fans accusing tournament organizers of giving them preferential treatment over more deserving singles players.
Serena, who returned to singles at Wimbledon this summer, opted to compete only in doubles and mixed doubles in New York. Venus, meanwhile, saw her singles campaign end early with a first-round loss to Sofia Kenin. Despite that, the duo was handed the prime-time assignment, a decision that left many scratching their heads—especially with top seeds like Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula still alive in the singles draw.
Traditionally, singles matches take priority over doubles for the main courts, but the Williams sisters' allure proved too strong for the tournament to resist. The move sparked a wave of backlash on social media, where fans didn't hold back their frustration. “Actual qualified players are jettisoned to other courts for this sideshow,” one fan wrote. Another chimed in, “Imagine paying for Ashe to watch a doubles.”
The criticism wasn't just about the match itself but the message it sends. “It's absurd that Aryna, two-time champion and number one, isn't on center court for that doubles match,” declared another fan. The sentiment echoed a broader concern that the tournament is prioritizing star power over sporting merit, a trend that has drawn increasing scrutiny in recent years.
But defenders of the decision point to the sisters' legacy. Serena and Venus have given tennis decades of unforgettable moments, and their presence under the lights is a reward for that contribution. As one observer noted, “Don't sleep on Serena & Venus.” Indeed, Serena showed flashes of her old brilliance in the mixed doubles event, impressing against Lloyd Glasspool and Erin Routliffe.
Even if the sisters stumble early, the crowd at Ashe will likely be firmly in their corner, providing a boost that could carry them through. That support might be all they need to advance, turning what critics call a publicity stunt into a genuine highlight of the tournament.
This isn't the first time the US Open has faced criticism over scheduling decisions. Earlier this year, Venus Williams' late-night start drew outrage, and the tournament has also been called out for its handling of influencers. Yet the sisters remain a box-office draw, and their matches consistently generate buzz—even if it's not always positive.
For now, the focus shifts to the court. Can Serena and Venus turn back the clock and deliver a performance worthy of the spotlight? Or will the controversy overshadow their play? One thing's for sure: all eyes will be on Arthur Ashe Stadium, and the sisters will have a chance to silence the doubters with their racquets.
