The return of tennis legends Serena and Venus Williams to doubles play at the U.S. Open helped boost viewership for ESPN. The network reported that its coverage on Friday, which included the Williams sisters competing in a night match, averaged 1.1 million viewers across ESPN and ESPN2. During the peak time between 10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. EDT, the audience reached 2.2 million viewers. However, Serena and Venus lost their match in a tiebreaker to the team of Hao-Ching Chan and Maya Joint. This coverage marked a 17% increase in viewership compared to the same time last year. On Saturday, ESPN2 saw an average of 1.1 million viewers, which is a 37% increase from the previous year. The U.S. Open’s overall viewership through the third round averaged 846,000, the highest number since 2022. This indicates a growing interest in the tournament, possibly fueled by the Williams sisters’ return to the doubles court. Their presence often draws significant attention, as they are two of the most iconic figures in tennis history. The Williams sisters’ participation in doubles has been a highlight for many fans, and their match on Friday was no exception. Their return to the sport after a long break has brought renewed excitement to the U.S. Open, contributing to higher ratings for ESPN. This surge in viewership suggests that the network is successfully capitalizing on the popularity of the Williams sisters, who have been a staple of tennis for over two decades. Overall, the U.S. Open has seen a steady rise in viewership, with the third round being the most-watched so far this year. This trend may continue as the tournament progresses, especially if the Williams sisters remain in the competition. Their presence not only elevates the profile of doubles play but also brings a sense of nostalgia and anticipation for fans around the world.