Venus Williams, partnering with Leylah Fernandez, advanced to the US Open women’s doubles quarterfinals and humorously urged her sister Serena to attend their next match, marking a significant milestone in her career.
On Monday, September 1, 2025, Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez defeated the 12th-seeded duo of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4 in a third-round match at Louis Armstrong Stadium. The victory, achieved in just over an hour, secured their place in the quarterfinals and was witnessed by a capacity crowd, underscoring the popularity of this unexpected pairing. Williams, at 45 years old, is competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at a major for the first time since 1998, demonstrating her enduring athleticism and love for the game.
Following the match, Williams made a playful plea for her sister Serena Williams to “show up” and support them from the players’ box. She revealed that Serena has been actively involved from afar, providing advice and encouragement, and even shared a light-hearted TikTok video joking about Venus’s new partner. This call-out was met with amusement from fans and media, highlighting the sisters’ close relationship and Serena’s ongoing influence in tennis.
Venus elaborated that Serena is watching the matches with her two children, acting as a “third coach” and creating a supportive family atmosphere despite not being physically present. She received a video of her nieces enthusiastically cheering her on, which added a personal touch to the competitive environment. The Williams sisters have a storied history in doubles, having won 14 Grand Slam titles together, making this moment particularly nostalgic and significant.
Williams and Fernandez, who received a wild-card entry into the tournament, have not lost a set in their three matches together, showcasing impressive chemistry and coordination. Fernandez, the 2021 US Open singles runner-up, expressed full confidence in their partnership, emphasizing their aggressive and offensive playing style. This run marks Venus’s first Grand Slam quarterfinal in women’s doubles since the 2016 Wimbledon, where she won with Serena, and Fernandez’s third career major quarterfinal in doubles.
Looking ahead, the pair is set to face the top-seeded team of Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in the quarterfinals. Fernandez acknowledged the challenge but remained optimistic about their chances, citing the electric atmosphere and their readiness to enjoy the moment. Venus joked that if Serena did attend, they might “bully her” into hitting some balls, adding a humorous note to the anticipation.
The success of this partnership has captivated tennis enthusiasts, illustrating Venus’s lasting appeal and the dynamic nature of the sport. As they prepare for their next match, the possibility of Serena’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement and narrative to their US Open journey, potentially drawing more attention to the women’s doubles event.