Serena and Venus Williams' glittering Grand Slam doubles career was brought to an abrupt end at the US Open 2022 on Thursday as the reunited sisters crashed out in the first round against Czech duo Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova. The Williams sisters -- in what is almost certainly their final outing together as a Grand Slam doubles duo -- slumped to a 7-6 (7/5), 6-4 loss at the Arthur Ashe Stadium. The American pair - winners of 14 Grand Slam crowns and three Olympic gold medals -- had not played together in a doubles tournament since 2018. 

But they were handed a wild card into the draw for this year's US Open 2022 just weeks after Serena indicated she planned to retire following the tournament. On Wednesday, Serena kept her US Open 2022 singles campaign alive with a roller coaster, never-say-die performance, sending the Arthur Ashe faithful into raptures on a night of high drama. But there was a more subdued atmosphere on Thursday as the two sisters took center-stage together to open the night session. While Serena showed flashes of the sort of brilliance that has studded her singles performances this week, elder sister Venus struggled to find her best form against the Czech duo. 

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