Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez, a new and dynamic doubles team, showcased their exceptional skills by advancing to the quarterfinals at the US Open. Their impressive victory over the 12th-seeded pair of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai with a score of 6-3, 6-4 delighted the enthusiastic crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium on Monday.
Despite joining forces only last week as wild-card entrants, Williams and Fernandez have quickly established themselves with a perfect 3-0 record, not dropping a single set in the process. The duo’s seamless coordination and strong chemistry on the court have been key to their success.
Excited about their partnership, Williams expressed optimism about their future performances, stating, “We’re on the same wavelength, and hopefully we can keep it going.”
The Venus and Leylah duo’s captivating performance drew a full house at Armstrong, with fans eager to witness their remarkable teamwork. In a swift match lasting just over an hour, the experienced Williams, aged 45, and the talented Fernandez, aged 22, demonstrated their prowess and secured their spot in the next round.
Fernandez, speaking highly of her partner, emphasized the importance of mutual trust and a shared aggressive playing style. “I have full confidence in Venus, and I hope she has full confidence in me during our match. We’re just going out there, playing our game: Be offensive, aggressive, and ready for the ball,” she remarked.
Williams, acknowledging Fernandez as an exceptional partner comparable to her sister Serena, expressed gratitude for Serena’s support and advice from a distance. Playfully calling out to Serena, she humorously remarked, “She’s so happy for Leylah and I, and she’s given us advice. We just need her in the box. So, my message is, ‘Serena, you need to show up.'”
