'Serena, you need to show up': Venus Williams sends message after US Open doubles win with Leylah Fernandez

Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez are making waves at the US Open, not just for their results but for the chemistry they’ve built on court. The unlikely pairing powered into the doubles quarterfinals after defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4, and while the win was impressive, the spotlight quickly shifted to Serena Williams’ influence on the team.

Venus made it clear that her sister’s voice is still present, even from a distance. “It’s so funny because, mid-match, I told Leylah, Serena told me—well, I’m not going to tell you exactly what she said—but she told me I have to do this more,” Venus said with a smile during the on-court interview. Fernandez immediately jumped in, laughing: “My sister told me the same thing, the exact same advice!” That synchronicity set the tone for what is becoming one of the most talked-about partnerships of the tournament.

The 45-year-old Williams was quick to credit the crowd as well, noting their energy lifted her through moments of uncertainty. “We can feel your energy. It puts us up, and whenever we have a moment where it’s not going exactly perfect, you guys bring us up. So thank you so much,” she told fans. For Fernandez, the partnership with Venus has been more than just about strategy—it’s about growth. “I’m kind of a sponge,” she admitted. “Whatever she says, I soak it in. It’s a huge opportunity to learn from such a great champion and legend.”

But no matter how well the two are jelling, the storyline always finds its way back to Serena. Venus didn’t shy away from addressing it head-on. When asked if her younger sister might make an appearance at Flushing Meadows, she replied bluntly: “Honestly, she had a really funny TikTok. But really, she’s so happy for Leylah and me, and she’s given us advice. We just need her in the box. So my message is: Serena, you need to show up.”

Serena’s influence looms large

Even from retirement, Serena’s presence is felt in New York. Venus revealed that her sister remains deeply invested in their matches. “She gave me a pep talk and made sure to call me today,” Venus said. “She gets so nervous watching, and she’s got the kids watching too. So now we’ve basically got three coaches—Serena’s part of the team.”

Fernandez, only 22, admitted that seeing Venus’ joy on court makes her want to extend her own career far into the future. “Oh, 100%! Venus, I’ve said this like a million times—seeing you play with the same big smile you had back then, it’s so inspirational. It motivates me to keep going,” she said. The Canadian lefty, a former US Open finalist, has embraced this run as both a learning experience and a reminder of why she plays.

A new chapter in doubles

For Venus, saying yes to doubles wasn’t an easy choice. “At first I was thinking no, because I haven’t played a lot of tennis in general. I thought, oh my God, I don’t want to get out there and be making mistakes,” she admitted. “But then an hour later, I was like, I think I want to.” That change of heart has resulted in one of the most intriguing storylines of the tournament.

The pair entered the draw as wild cards, but their chemistry has grown match by match. “Obviously we look at our opponents a little bit, but I have full confidence in Venus, and I hope she has full confidence in me,” Fernandez said. “We’re just going out there, playing our game, being offensive and aggressive.” The mix of youth and experience has proven to be a winning formula so far.

What’s Next

Their next match could bring them face-to-face with Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniaková, one of the best doubles teams in the world. Venus acknowledged the challenge: “They’ve been playing incredible doubles together. They’re both super aggressive, and the atmosphere is going to be electric.”

Win or lose, the Venus–Leylah partnership has already delivered a highlight of the tournament. But for fans, the real dream remains a Williams reunion. Venus herself put it best: “If Serena came, it’d be a dream for both of us. We’d have her on the court coaching, maybe even force her to hit.” Whether or not Serena shows up in the stands, her shadow continues to loom large over Flushing Meadows.