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The American tennis icon's match at Flushing Meadows commenced well past midnight, an unusually late hour that left both players visibly affected. Williams, 46, openly condemned the scheduling, highlighting the strain of competing at such an hour.

The match concluded 6-2, 7-6 in favor of Kenin, with Williams showing resilience but ultimately succumbing during the decisive tie-break. Yet, it was the near two-hour delay that dominated headlines. "It's not ideal. I definitely would have preferred something else," Williams stated candidly after the match. "I don't know any other sport where you have to start that late. I believe there's definitely room for improvement."

Despite the adversity, Williams acknowledged the enthusiastic crowd that remained well into the early hours. "The fans were really excited. I've never played a match that late, and it was a real honor to compete in front of them," she remarked, seeking a silver lining amid the discomfort. Her remarks underscored the rarity and challenge of such scheduling in professional tennis.

Reflecting on her performance, Williams refused to shoulder blame for the early exit. "There were many positive moments today. It's not easy to do that in the first round, especially at one or two in the morning," she explained, emphasizing the unusual circumstances impacting play.

When asked about her future plans, Williams revealed a strategic shift in focus. "My mind is totally concentrated on doubles now," she confirmed, signaling a potential reorientation of her competitive priorities moving forward.

Williams' outspoken critique of the US Open's late-night match scheduling raises important questions about player welfare and tournament organization. Her experience at Flushing Meadows serves as a stark reminder that while fan engagement is crucial, it should not come at the expense of athletes' performance and health.