Laylah Fernandez and Venus Williams calls on Serena Williams on Court while playing for the quarterfinals. Image: US Open/ Skysports.
(The Post News)- Venus Williams has powered her way into the 2025 US Open women’s doubles quarterfinals alongside Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez. Now she’s calling on a very familiar face to join the ride, her sister and long-time doubles partner, Serena Williams.
After the newly formed duo of Venus and Fernandez secured an impressive straight-sets victory over the 12th-seeded pair of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai, 6-3, 6-4, in front of a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium, Venus did not hold back when asked about Serena. She openly urged her younger sister to show up in support. Venus revealed that Serena has been “so happy for Leylah and her, giving some ‘great advice.’ “But now we need her in our box. Serena, if you’re watching this, come to the tournament,” she added.
Venus and Fernandez Find Chemistry Despite Not Pairing Up Before
The Williams-Fernandez pairing, which came together just last week after they received a wild-card entry into the doubles draw, has been turning heads ever since. Despite never playing together before this Grand Slam, they’ve quickly found chemistry and rhythm, going 3-0 and winning each match in straight sets. They now face their biggest challenge yet, top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova, when they return to the court on Tuesday.
The electric atmosphere in New York has only fueled the duo’s performance. Fans packed Armstrong Stadium for their third-round match, with some even waiting in lines outside just to catch a glimpse of the unlikely but exciting partnership between the 45-year-old Williams and the 22-year-old Fernandez. In just an hour and 14 minutes, the pair dismissed their opponents with confident shot-making and seamless teamwork, displaying the kind of synergy that often takes years to build.
“We’re really on the same wavelength out there,” Venus said after the match. “We both want to play aggressively, stay sharp, and put pressure on the other team from the first point. I feel like we’re feeding off the crowd and off each other. It’s been fun.”
Fernandez echoed that sentiment and credited Venus for creating such a positive and trusting dynamic on court. “I have complete confidence in Venus, and I hope she feels the same about me,” Fernandez said. “We go into every match with a mindset to be bold, to play our game, to stay offensive, and to always stay ready for the next ball.”
Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has played alongside many partners over her storied career, but she made a point to highlight the unique connection she’s felt with Fernandez. She even called her the best doubles partner she’s ever had outside of Serena. During the press conference, Venus joked that Serena hadn’t given Fernandez much advice so far, suggesting, with a grin, that perhaps that meant Fernandez was already playing perfectly. “So I guess you’re doing everything right,” Venus said, smiling at her partner.
Although Serena has not attended the tournament in person, Venus knows her sister is keeping a close watch. She shared that someone had sent her a video of Serena’s daughters, Venus’s nieces, watching the match from home and shouting her name in excitement. “It means a lot,” Venus said. “Serena is always with me, even if she’s not physically here.”
Serena last competed at the 2022 US Open, where she received an emotional send-off after hinting at retirement from professional tennis. Still, Venus made it clear that if Serena does decide to return to Flushing Meadows, she shouldn’t come just to sit in the stands. “If Serena shows up, it’s going to be a dream come true for both of us,” Venus said. “We’d put her on the court. We’d make her coach. We’d even force her to hit, even though she hardly picks up a racket these days. Honestly, maybe it’s better she doesn’t come; we’d probably bully her into playing again,” she joked.
The Williams sisters, of course, have a legendary doubles history. Together, they won 14 major doubles titles, dominating the tour for over two decades and becoming one of the most iconic duos in tennis history. While Serena’s future on the court remains uncertain, Venus seems rejuvenated by her partnership with Fernandez and more than ready to keep the run going.
With momentum on their side, growing fan support, and a deep well of experience, Venus and Fernandez are proving to be one of the most compelling stories at this year’s US Open. Whether Serena shows up or not, one thing is certain: Venus Williams is still here, still competing at the highest level, and still having fun, this time with a new partner by her side.
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