‘Sorry we beat them’: Czech pair send Williamses into probable doubles retirement

• Americans lose to Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova 7-6, 6-4
• As it happened: Tom Lutz's game-by-game report

Venus and Serena Williams are out of the US Open women's doubles in the first round after losing 7-6 (5), 6-4 to the Czech team of Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova on Thursday night before another packed crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

After Hradecka slotted a backhand volley winner on match point after 2hr 5min, the announced sellout crowd of 23,859 fans saluted the Williams sisters with a standing ovation as they congratulated their opponents at the net, hugged one another and walked off the court in what might be the final bow for one of the sport's most decorated partnerships.