Venus Williams is through to the quarter-finals of the US Open doubles (Getty Images)
The veteran tennis star, teaming up with Leylah Fernandez, secured a quarterfinal spot after defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai, extending her inspiring story at Flushing Meadows.
Following Serena’s lighthearted expression of envy over Venus’ new doubles pairing, Venus had a clear message for her sibling after their 6-3, 6-3 victory.
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“She made a very funny TikTok, but truly, she’s so happy for Leylah and me and has shared her advice,” Venus said on the court.
“Now we just need her in the stands. So my message to Serena is simple: Serena, you need to show up.”
During her post-match press conference, Venus elaborated with a grin: “If she came, it would be a dream for both of us. We’d have her courtside coaching, and maybe even make her hit a few shots—though she doesn’t play often. But honestly, it might be better if she doesn’t come, because we’d probably tease her relentlessly.”
The tennis legend also revealed that Serena, 43, had given her a motivational pep talk ahead of her fourth-round match, effectively becoming a third coach for Venus and Fernandez.
“She’s definitely coaching from afar. She’s so excited, gets nervous watching, and her kids are all at home following along, really cheering for us,” Venus explained. “So I guess we have, what, three coaches now? Serena’s part of the team too?”
After taking more than a year away from professional tennis, Venus has returned to compete in the main singles draw and the new mixed doubles format at the US Open. Yet it’s her partnership with the much younger Fernandez—23 years her junior—that has proven particularly effective.
Her enduring star power was on full display on Monday, as a sold-out Louis Armstrong Stadium erupted in applause. Fans were even asked by the umpire to take their seats for match point, though the crowd quickly leapt to their feet again when Fernandez sealed the win with a precise volley.
It’s rare for a round of 16 doubles match to receive such attention, but Williams, a wild card entrant, rewarded the tournament organizers with sharp net play, while Fernandez compensated for her slower pace with smart court coverage.
Although Venus and Fernandez had never partnered before this week, it’s clear the younger player is learning immensely from the tennis legend.
“I’m actually growing a lot,” Fernandez admitted. “My team and family have even noticed, saying, ‘Wow, you’re really improving just by playing with Venus and learning from her.’”
“Even if she doesn’t say much on the sidelines, I soak in everything she does and says,” she added.
With precedent like 43-year-old Rohan Bopanna winning the Australian Open men’s doubles title last year, Venus can now dream of a similar trajectory for herself and Fernandez.
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