The US Open is currently underway in New York City, and the atmosphere is electric! While all eyes are on the singles competition, a captivating story is unfolding in the women's doubles, featuring none other than Venus Williams. The legendary athlete, at the age of 45, is partnering with the young and talented Leylah Fernandez, creating a dynamic duo that's turning heads.
Their journey has been nothing short of remarkable. After receiving a wildcard entry into the tournament, Venus and Leylah are making the most of their opportunity, displaying impressive teamwork and determination on the court. They recently secured a spot in the quarterfinals, defeating the formidable team of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai. This victory has fueled excitement among fans, who are eagerly rooting for them to go all the way.
Venus Williams, a name synonymous with tennis excellence, has a rich history at the US Open. She and her sister, Serena, have clinched the women's doubles title twice, in 1999 and 2009. Now, alongside Leylah Fernandez, she has the chance to create new memories and add another chapter to her illustrious career.
Leylah Fernandez, a rising star from Montreal, is also eager to leave her mark on the tournament. At just 22 years old, she's already demonstrated her talent and potential, reaching the singles final at the 2021 US Open, where she faced off against Emma Raducanu. Partnering with Venus offers her an invaluable opportunity to learn from a seasoned champion and further hone her skills.
The energy at the Louis Armstrong Stadium is palpable as fans rally behind Venus and Leylah. Their wins generate a palpable buzz in the City That Never Sleeps. As they continue their quest for the title, the support of the crowd becomes an essential part of their success.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the story is the presence of Serena Williams, who retired from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open. Serena, now a successful businesswoman and mother, is always supportive of her sister's endeavors. Recently, she posted an amusing TikTok video expressing her happiness for Venus and Leylah, playfully teasing her sister about her new doubles partner. The video quickly went viral, garnering over two million views.
The video showed Serena jokingly rolling her eyes and displaying fake smiles, captioned with: “When you see your sister Venus Williams has a new doubles partner Leylah Fernandez and you are really happy she’s winning with someone else…”
Venus, known for her playful spirit, responded to the video with a heartfelt request: she wants Serena to come to New York and watch her matches. "Honestly, I think she had a very funny TikTok," Venus said. "But really, she is so happy for Leylah and I, she has given us advice. We just need her in the box. So my message is: 'Serena, you need to show up.'"
Adding to the family dynamic, Venus shared that she received a video of her nieces cheering her on from home. The little ones, including a toddler barely two years old, were enthusiastically yelling her name. These moments, she said, make her feel connected to her family even when she's on the court.
Venus went on to say that having Serena in the stands would be a "dream" for both of them. She even joked about putting Serena to work: "If Serena came, it would be a dream for both of us and we'd have her on the court coaching. We'd force her to hit, even though she doesn't hit often. It's probably best she doesn't come because we'd probably bully her."
Serena's presence, even as a spectator, would undoubtedly provide a boost to Venus and Leylah. Her vast experience and unwavering support would be invaluable as they navigate the challenges of the tournament.
Venus also expressed her appreciation for the enthusiastic support from the fans at Flushing Meadows. "I'm telling you, we can feel your energy, it puts us up," she said. "Whenever we have a moment where it is not going exactly perfect, you guys bring us up. So, thank you."
The camaraderie between Venus and Leylah is evident both on and off the court. They share a similar mindset and a mutual respect for each other's abilities. "It's so funny, mid-match I told Leylah that Serena once told me, 'I have to do this more'," Venus revealed. "Leylah said: 'My sister told me the same thing.' The same exact advice. It's so funny. We are on the same wavelength. Hopefully we can keep it that way."
Leylah echoed Venus's sentiments, emphasizing the strong bond they've formed. "There's not a lot of talk about strategy," she explained. "We look at our opponents a little bit. I have full confidence in Venus and I hope she has full confidence in me during the match. We are going out there, playing our game, being offensive, aggressive, and ready for the ball."
She added, "Venus, I have said this a million times, seeing you play on court with the same big smile that you had back then, it's so inspirational. It motivates me to keep going. I love that you love tennis."
The US Open is taking place from late August to early September, showcasing the best tennis talent from around the world. Every thrilling moment is being broadcast live for fans to enjoy. Don't miss out on the excitement!
As Venus and Leylah continue their journey at the US Open, their story serves as a testament to the enduring power of sportsmanship, teamwork, and the unwavering support of family and fans. Whether they ultimately lift the trophy or not, their performance has already captured the hearts of tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows is hosting the prestigious tournament. All eyes from the sports world are focused on this location!
The US Open, as a Grand Slam event, offers significant ranking points and prize money, attracting top players eager to prove their mettle.
The journey to the main draw includes qualifying rounds, providing opportunities for emerging talents to showcase their skills and earn their place among the elite.
For fans eager to catch every serve, volley, and match point, ESPN is providing live coverage of the US Open. Now you can follow the action and stay connected to the tournament.