Guess who’s back and making waves at the US Open? Venus Williams, folks! She just clinched a women’s doubles victory, her first in almost a decade, alongside Leylah Fernandez. Talk about a legendary comeback! What do you think this means for her incredible career?

Venus Williams, defying expectations and her own self-assessment, made a triumphant return to women’s doubles at the US Open, securing her first win in the discipline at the tournament since 2014. This remarkable tennis comeback victory alongside new partner Leylah Fernandez has ignited excitement among fans, signaling a significant resurgence for the veteran athlete on the prestigious Grand Slam stage.

Despite Venus’s humble insistence that she is not a natural doubles player, her illustrious career, punctuated by 14 major championships won with her sister Serena, paints a vastly different picture. Her recent performance demonstrated an undiminished prowess, proving that her tactical acumen and powerful presence on court remain formidable assets.

Teaming up with the dynamic 22-year-old Canadian Leylah Fernandez, the duo faced the formidable sixth-seeded pair of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez. Their hard-fought victory, clinched with a 7-6 (4), 6-3 scoreline, was a testament to their budding partnership and shared determination on the Grand Slam stage.

Following the dramatic win, the 45-year-old Williams performed her iconic twirl-and-wave, publicly acknowledging Fernandez as “the best partner I ever played with — outside of Serena.” This high praise underscored the exceptional synergy they found, with Williams noting Fernandez’s intensity and unyielding focus resonated deeply with her own competitive spirit.

The electric atmosphere at Louis Armstrong Stadium, nearly filled to capacity, provided a vibrant backdrop for the match. Spectators were heavily invested, offering standing ovations for pivotal moments, including the pair’s comeback from a 5-2 deficit in the opening tiebreaker, and erupting in cheers as the match concluded in just 90 minutes.

Even their opponents recognized the strength of the Williams-Fernandez pairing. Lyudmyla Kichenok commented on their experience, stating, “They know what it is. Maybe it took a bit of time to adjust at the beginning, but then they found their rhythm.” This win marked Venus Williams’s first women’s doubles victory at a Grand Slam since the 2018 French Open, highlighting the significance of this achievement.

Venus candidly admitted her discomfort on a doubles court, preferring singles, but acknowledged her ability to adapt when necessary. She described her strategy to “play singles and try that method” when stepping onto the doubles court, illustrating her ingrained singles player mentality while showcasing her versatility.

After a 16-month hiatus, Williams returned to the tour in July, and her rapid progression has been evident. Despite early exits in mixed doubles and singles at Flushing Meadows, the wild card entry into women’s doubles has allowed her to continue her US Open journey, with Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi awaiting in the next round. Her optimism remains high, hoping to “stay, maybe win another round and just keep getting better.”