Guess who’s still got it? Venus Williams, folks! She just served up a massive win at the US Open in women’s doubles, teaming up with Leylah Fernandez for her first victory in over a decade. The crowd went wild, and so did we! What’s next for this tennis legend?
In a thrilling display of enduring talent, tennis icon Venus Williams clinched her first women’s doubles victory at the US Open since 2014, signaling a remarkable resurgence on the Grand Slam stage. Teaming up with the energetic Leylah Fernandez, Williams defied expectations, proving that her prowess on the court remains undiminished even without her legendary sister, Serena, by her side. This momentous win at Flushing Meadows captivated fans and highlighted a new chapter in Venus’s illustrious career.
The veteran and her 22-year-old Canadian partner, Leylah Fernandez, delivered an impressive performance, overcoming the formidable sixth-seeded pair of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 6-3. The match, which lasted 90 minutes, was a testament to their combined skill and determination, particularly after rallying from a 5-2 deficit in the opening tiebreaker. The Louis Armstrong Stadium, nearly filled to capacity, buzzed with an electric atmosphere, with spectators frequently erupting in cheers for the fan favorites.
Venus Williams, often modest about her doubles abilities despite holding 14 major championships with Serena, showcased a different kind of synergy with Fernandez. Williams praised Fernandez, stating she was “the best partner I ever played with — outside of Serena.” This statement underscores the unique connection forged between the two players, emphasizing a shared mentality of unwavering focus and a refusal to yield, qualities that resonated deeply with Williams.
The crowd played a significant role, providing a vibrant backdrop with chants of “Here we go, Venus, here we go!” and signs proclaiming, “Welcome to the Williams show.” This enthusiastic support underscored the enduring popularity of Venus Williams and the excitement generated by her return to competitive doubles at the US Open. The standing ovations for both the tiebreaker victory and the match conclusion further solidified the emotional connection between the players and their ardent supporters.
For Williams, this win breaks a long drought in Grand Slam doubles, her last victory in this category at any major tournament dating back to the 2018 French Open. While she considers herself primarily a singles player, often instructing herself to approach doubles matches with a singles mindset, her performance with Fernandez demonstrated a remarkable adaptability and a willingness to do “what I have to” when the stakes are high, a true mark of a champion in the world of tennis.
Her journey back to the court has been one of perseverance. After a 16-month hiatus, Venus Williams returned to action in July, playing both singles and doubles. Despite early exits in mixed doubles and singles at this year’s US Open, the wild card entry into women’s doubles offered a renewed opportunity, one she seized with characteristic grace and power. Her quick progression since returning is a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.
Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 US Open singles runner-up, expressed her sheer delight at the opportunity to partner with the tennis legend, describing it as feeling “like a kid on Christmas Day.” This youthful enthusiasm, combined with Venus’s seasoned experience, created a compelling duo that captured the imagination of fans. Their upcoming second-round match against Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi promises another exciting encounter.
