NEW YORK — In a stunning display of cross-generational synergy, Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez teamed up to deliver one of the most electrifying upsets of the 2024 US Open women's doubles tournament so far. The unseeded duo, playing together for the very first time, took down the 13th-seeded pairing of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez with a scoreline of 7-6(5), 6-4 in a thrilling first-round match on Court 17.
The victory was monumental for several reasons. For Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion with 14 more in doubles alongside her sister Serena, it marked a triumphant return to the Flushing Meadows doubles court. For the 21-year-old Fernandez, the 2021 US Open singles finalist, it was an opportunity to learn from a living legend and showcase her own formidable net skills. Together, they proved that experience and youthful exuberance can be a potent combination.
An Unlikely but Thrilling Partnership
The pairing of the 44-year-old Williams and the Canadian left-hander Fernandez was one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the doubles draw. The idea was born just days before the tournament began. Fernandez, a self-professed admirer of the Williams sisters, revealed she mustered the courage to ask Venus to partner. Williams, known for her openness to new challenges, readily agreed. The decision sent ripples of excitement through the tennis world, creating a buzz that culminated in their packed-court showdown.
Speaking after the match, Williams was effusive in her praise for her new partner, drawing a comparison that speaks volumes. "She's a great player, obviously," Williams said of Fernandez. "She knows how to play. She knows how to play doubles. She has a great serve. She's just a great player. So it was a wonderful experience. She's so positive. She's like a shining star. It was amazing to play with her."
Overcoming a Formidable Seeded Opponent
The task ahead of them was daunting. Kichenok and Perez are an established, top-tier team. They arrived in New York as the reigning champions of the Eastbourne International and had deep runs in several major tournaments this season. Perez, an Australian with a powerful lefty serve, and Kichenok, a Ukrainian known for her sharp volleys, presented a formidable challenge with their chemistry and experience playing together.
The first set was a tense, back-and-forth affair with neither team able to secure a break of serve. It hurtled toward a tiebreak, where the new partnership's communication was put to the ultimate test. Williams and Fernandez held their nerve, leveraging their powerful groundstrokes to edge the tiebreak 7-5, sending a clear message that they were not merely a novelty act.
Carrying the momentum into the second set, the duo made the crucial breakthrough. They secured a break of serve and then relied on their own solid serving and aggressive net play to maintain the advantage. Fernandez’s lightning-fast reflexes at the net complemented Williams’s commanding presence and powerful, deep returns. They closed out the match on their first opportunity, sealing the victory to a roaring ovation from the captivated crowd.
Mutual Admiration and Shared Joy on Court
Throughout the match, the chemistry between the two was palpable. They exchanged encouraging words during changeovers, celebrated points with genuine, joyful high-fives, and strategized intently. Fernandez, who grew up watching Williams dominate the sport, seemed to be living a dream. For Williams, it was a chance to mentor and compete with the same fiery intensity that has defined her career.
Fernandez could hardly contain her excitement in her post-match press conference. "It's definitely an honor to be beside her, to be able to talk to her, to learn from her," she gushed. "She's such a great person, a great tennis player, a great competitor. Everything I want to be in the future. So I'm just trying to absorb every moment I have with her."
When asked about the prospect of continuing their partnership, Williams offered a tantalizing hint about their future, while also paying Fernandez the highest compliment. "I'd say she's the best partner I've had since Serena," Williams stated with a smile, a remark that immediately lit up social media and tennis news outlets.
What This Victory Means for Both Players
For Venus Williams, this win is another chapter in her enduring legacy. It demonstrates her relentless competitive spirit and her love for the game, proving she can still compete at the highest level against specialist teams. It also marks a successful return to Grand Slam doubles after a hiatus, a format where she has historically excelled.
For Leylah Fernandez, the benefits are multifaceted:
- Experience: Gaining invaluable wisdom from one of the greatest doubles players of all time.
- Confidence: A major win like this can provide a massive boost following a tough singles loss.
- Net Game: Doubles sharpens reflexes and volleying technique, skills that translate directly to singles.
- Fun: The pure joy of competition was evident, a welcome feeling during the pressures of a major.
The upset also sends a warning to the rest of the doubles field. While they may be a new pair, Williams and Fernandez possess a dangerous blend of power, precision, and court IQ. They are not to be taken lightly.
Looking Ahead in the Tournament
With their first-round victory secured, the spotlight on this unique pairing will only grow brighter. They advance to face another tough test in the second round against the Czech duo of Linda Noskova and Marketa Vondrousova. Vondrousova, the 2023 Wimbledon singles champion, presents another formidable challenge.
However, if their opening performance is any indication, Williams and Fernandez have the tools and the teamwork to make a deep run. Their ability to handle pressure, feed off each other's energy, and execute under lights makes them a must-watch attraction. As Fernandez noted, "We're just going to go out there, have fun, and fight for every point."
Their Cinderella story continues to capture the imagination of fans, a reminder that in the often-unpredictable world of doubles tennis, magic can happen when two champions, from different eras, join forces with a shared goal and undeniable passion for the game.