Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez Light Up Flushing Meadows

You know that feeling when your favorite underdog team makes an improbable playoff run? That is exactly what Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez are delivering at the 2025 US Open, and frankly, it is the kind of sports story that makes you remember why you fell in love with tennis in the first place.

At 45 years old, Venus isn’t supposed to be dismantling seeded opponents with a 22-year-old Canadian who wasn’t even born when Williams was already dominating Wimbledon. Yet here we are, watching these two absolutely demolish the 12th-seeded duo of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4 in front of a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium that was practically vibrating with excitement. Can this dynamic duo keep it going?

The Unlikely Partnership That Is Actually Perfect

Let’s be honest—when this wild-card pairing was announced, most of us probably thought it was a feel-good story that would last maybe two rounds. Williams coming back after a 16-month layoff? Playing with someone she’d never partnered with before? Against seasoned doubles teams who’ve been playing together for years?

But Fernandez and Williams have something that can’t be taught in practice sessions: pure chemistry. They’re 3-0 without dropping a set, which is the kind of statistical dominance that would make even the most cynical tennis analyst do a double-take.

“We’re on the same wavelength,” Williams said after their latest victory, and you can actually see it on court. When Fernandez sets up a point, Williams is already moving to the perfect position. When Williams cranks one of her signature serves, Fernandez is ready to pounce on the return like she’s been reading Williams’ mind for years.

The Serena Factor Adds Extra Spice

Here’s where things get deliciously interesting. Serena Williams—you know, the 23-time Grand Slam champion who happens to be Venus’s sister and former doubles partner—has been watching from home and apparently offering tactical advice. But she has also been having some fun with the situation, posting TikTok videos where she playfully rolls her eyes at Venus playing with someone else.

Venus isn’t having any of that sideline coaching nonsense, though. After Monday’s win, she issued a direct challenge: “We just need her in the box. My message is, ‘Serena, you need to show up.'” Can you imagine the electricity if Serena actually shows up for Wednesday’s quarterfinal? The cameras would probably overheat from all the crowd shots they’d need to capture.

Fernandez Brings Her Own Magic

Don’t sleep on what Fernandez brings to this partnership. This isn’t just the Venus Williams retirement tour with a talented young sidekick. Fernandez reached the 2021 US Open singles final and was a French Open doubles finalist in 2023. She knows how to handle the big moments, and more importantly, she’s not intimidated by playing alongside a legend.

“Seeing you play on the court with the same big smile that you had back then, it’s so inspirational,” Fernandez said to Williams during their post-match interview, and you could feel the genuine respect and admiration between them.

What Makes This Run Special

Venus Williams has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, all with Serena. She has been to the mountain top so many times that most players would have called it quits years ago. But watching her celebrate after each win, doing her signature twirl for the crowd while Fernandez beams beside her, reminds us that sometimes sports isn’t about the destination—it’s about finding joy in the unexpected journey. The quarterfinals await, and honestly, who knows how far this magical run can go? All we know is that Wednesday can’t come fast enough.