Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez’s impressive doubles campaign at the US Open concluded in the quarterfinals with a loss to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova. Williams, returning after a long layoff, expressed pride in her aggressive performance despite the defeat.
In a match that lasted just 56 minutes on Tuesday at Louis Armstrong Stadium, Williams and Fernandez were defeated 6-1, 6-2 by the experienced duo of Townsend and Siniakova. The loss marked the end of Williams’ participation in the 2025 US Open, her first Grand Slam tournament in two years following a 16-month absence from competition.
After the match, Williams received a standing ovation from the crowd, and her opponents joined in applauding the tennis legend. Townsend, currently ranked No. 1 in doubles, expressed honor at sharing the court, calling Williams an inspiration from her childhood. Siniakova also praised Williams as a legend and privilege to play against.
Williams, 45, remained positive about her performance, stating she is proud of staying true to her aggressive playing style and not opting for safety. She emphasized that going for her shots throughout the tournament was reflective of her identity, and while she didn’t achieve victory this time, she knows she can improve with more opportunities.
Fernandez, the 22-year-old Canadian who was the 2021 singles runner-up at the US Open, shared that playing with Williams reinvigorated her love for the game, reminding her of the joy that initially drew her to tennis. The wild-card entry pair had not lost a set in their first three matches together, showcasing strong chemistry.
Townsend and Siniakova, who won Wimbledon in 2024 and the Australian Open earlier this year, demonstrated their dominance with Siniakova holding 10 Grand Slam doubles titles. In contrast, Williams has 14 major doubles titles with her sister Serena, highlighting the storied careers involved.
Williams’ overall tournament included early exits in the first round of both singles and mixed doubles, and she was the oldest player in the singles draw since 1981. Her return to competition began in July at a tournament in Washington, signaling a gradual comeback.
Looking ahead, Williams indicated uncertainty about immediate plans but suggested she intends to continue playing, fueled by this positive experience. The match not only ended her US Open run but also served as a testament to her enduring spirit and love for the sport.
