Williams and Fernandez Forge Unlikely Path to US Open Doubles Quarterfinals

In a remarkable display of generational synergy, tennis icon Venus Williams and rising star Leylah Fernandez have captivated audiences at the US Open, advancing to the women’s doubles quarterfinals with a series of commanding performances. The wild-card pairing, who had never played together before this tournament, has defied expectations, showcasing a blend of veteran savvy and youthful aggression that has yet to be defeated.

Their journey to the final eight was sealed with a confident 6-3, 6-4 victory over the 12th-seeded team of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai. The win, which took just over an hour on a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium, extended their flawless run, as they have yet to drop a single set in the tournament. This follows a similarly impressive straight-sets win against the No. 6 seeds, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez, in their opening match.

For the 45-year-old Williams, the run marks her first Grand Slam doubles quarterfinal appearance since winning Wimbledon with her sister, Serena, in 2016. It’s a significant milestone in her recent comeback to the tour after a 16-month hiatus. Her on-court presence has been a highlight, with her signature twirl and wave eliciting cheers from adoring crowds.

The partnership with the 22-year-old Fernandez, the 2021 US Open singles finalist, has proven to be a perfect match. Fernandez has spoken of the inspiration she draws from Williams, while Williams has been full of praise for her partner, even joking that she is the best partner she has ever had, “outside of Serena.” The duo’s quick chemistry on the court has been a key factor in their success, with both players exhibiting an aggressive, forward-moving style and a shared determination to win.

After their latest victory, Williams took the opportunity to send a playful message to her younger sister, Serena, who has been offering advice from afar. “We just need her in the box,” Venus said with a smile, urging her to come to New York to watch their quarterfinal match.

Williams and Fernandez will now face a formidable challenge in the quarterfinals against the top-seeded team of Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova. The matchup pits the unexpected wild cards against the top players in the draw, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting contest as they vie for a spot in the semifinals.