'I was like a kid on Christmas Day': Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez unlock doubles magic at US Open

Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez teamed up in a thrilling doubles performance at the US Open, advancing to the next round in front of an electrified crowd. When asked about the call from Venus inviting her to partner, Leylah’s reaction was pure delight. “I was like a kid on Christmas Day, just jumping around,” she said. She couldn’t stop smiling the entire night, and even into the next morning, highlighting the excitement of sharing the court with a legend.

The partnership blended experience with youthful energy. Venus, a 14-time doubles major champion, offered guidance without dominating, letting Leylah’s instincts shape their approach. “I’m used to being the big sister, so I’m kind of asking her what she wants,” Venus explained. Despite having more experience, Venus acknowledged that Leylah’s match play and preparation made them almost even in their ability to adapt. Together, they adjusted mid-match and pushed their foot on the gas to close out their opponent.

Style and self-expression were also a part of the story. Venus turned heads with her custom red bomber jacket and quirky furry bag, while her dresses drew inspiration from American champion Althea Gibson. “Everything this year is inspired by Althea… people are getting to know her and her accomplishments,” Venus said. On-court fashion, she emphasized, is both fun and meaningful—a way to honor the sport’s history while expressing individuality.

Even with the spotlight on doubles, Venus and Leylah showed a refreshing focus on fundamentals and instincts over rigid strategy. Leylah admitted, “I have no idea what I was thinking during that tiebreak. I think I just kind of went on instincts.” Both players emphasized chemistry and energy, particularly when facing adversity, like trailing 2-5. Their ability to maintain focus and determination allowed them to turn matches around, illustrating the importance of trust and communication in doubles.

A partnership built on energy and instinct

Venus noted that doubles demands a different mindset than singles. Though Leylah had not played extensively in doubles before, the pairing felt natural because of shared mentality and determination. Venus highlighted, “When we got down 2-5, neither one of us were anywhere near giving up… our energy really matched each other.” This chemistry allowed the pair to excel in high-pressure moments and build confidence for future rounds.

Leylah’s versatility and Venus’ mentorship made the duo formidable. Leylah described the praise from Venus as a major milestone: “It was probably the biggest compliment I’ve ever gotten… just another opportunity for me to get better as a tennis player.” For Leylah, partnering with Venus was both inspiring and instructive, combining learning with the thrill of competing at the highest level.

Reflecting on her doubles career, Venus emphasized the intentionality behind her success with Serena. “It was absolutely not a side project… we mostly played at the majors for a reason.” Though doubles requires a different skill set, her foundation in singles helped her adapt quickly. Venus’ guidance and Leylah’s adaptable game made for a partnership that balances strategy, instincts, and flair.

Their US Open doubles journey is about more than winning matches; it’s a story of legacy, mentorship, and joy. Between expressive fashion, instinct-driven play, and mutual respect, Venus and Leylah are proving that doubles can be as captivating and dynamic as any singles showdown. Fans are left eagerly anticipating their next match, knowing that every point is a showcase of talent, chemistry, and personality. In the second round, they will face Japan's Ena Hozumi and Norway's Ulrike Eikkeri.