Williams suffers career-worst US Open loss as Alcaraz advances on retirement

• Minnen hands Williams most lopsided US Open loss of career
• Alcaraz reaches second round after Koepfer retires with injury

There was a Williams sister out there in Arthur Ashe Stadium on Tuesday night, much to the delight of spectators who offered a standing ovation at the end of the match. Except this time it was Venus, not Serena, and there was no ceremony, no formal farewell - and, unlike a year ago, no indication of what the future might hold.

Her younger sister's playing days are done after one last hurrah at Flushing Meadows in 2022, but Venus Williams is still competing, still striving, even if her age, 43, and a bum knee did her no favors on this muggy evening. Williams was eliminated 6-1, 6-1 by Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen in the first round of the US Open, her most lopsided loss in 100 career matches at the grand slam tournament where she won the trophy in 2000 and 2001.