NEW YORK — In a captivating display of intergenerational synergy, the unseeded pairing of Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez stormed into the third round of the US Open women's doubles draw on Friday, marking a significant milestone for the American legend. With a decisive 6-3, 6-3 victory over the 16th-seeded duo of Veronika Kudermetova and Anastasia Potapova, Williams has now reached the third round of a women's doubles major for the first time since the 2018 French Open.
The match, played on the intimate Court 17, showcased a perfect blend of Williams' raw power and vast experience with Fernandez's youthful exuberance and relentless court coverage. The pair broke their opponents' serve five times throughout the match, demonstrating a cohesive partnership that has blossomed rapidly after receiving a wild card into the main draw. For the 44-year-old Williams, this deep run is a testament to her enduring class and competitive fire.
A Partnership Forged in Mutual Respect
The collaboration between Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion with 14 major doubles titles to her name, and Fernandez, the 21-year-old 2021 US Open finalist, began as a spontaneous idea that quickly gained traction. Their on-court chemistry was evident from their first practice session, built on a foundation of mutual admiration. Fernandez has often spoken of idolizing Williams and her sister Serena while growing up.
Following their first-round victory, Fernandez expressed her excitement about the partnership, stating: "It's an honor to be on the court with Venus. She's a legend of the game and I'm just trying to absorb everything I can from her—her mindset, her experience, the way she carries herself. It's a dream come true."
Williams, in turn, has praised her young partner's energy and tactical intelligence. "Leylah brings so much fight and passion," Williams remarked. "She sees the court incredibly well for her age, and she's not afraid of any moment. It's refreshing and it makes me elevate my own game."
Tactical Mastery on Display in Second Round
Facing a formidable and more established seeded team, Williams and Fernandez executed a near-flawless game plan. Their strategy revolved around a few key principles:
- Targeting the Middle: They consistently aimed their returns and groundstrokes at the center of the court, effectively neutralizing their opponents' angles and creating confusion.
- Williams at the Net: Venus positioned herself aggressively at the net, using her wingspan to cut off angles and put away volleys with authority.
- Fernandez's Defense: Leylah's speed and ability to track down seemingly impossible balls from the baseline extended rallies and forced errors.
This tactical cohesion was too much for Kudermetova and Potapova to handle. The American-Canadian duo saved all three break points they faced and converted on five of their nine opportunities, showcasing clutch play at critical moments.
A Milestone Achievement for a Champion
While Fernandez is no stranger to deep runs in New York, this victory holds special significance for Williams. Her last appearance in the third round of a women's doubles major was six years ago at Roland Garros, where she partnered with her sister Serena. Since then, her appearances have been limited due to injuries and a focused schedule. This result signals a triumphant and joyful return to the doubles arena, proving that her champion's instincts remain as sharp as ever.
The tennis world took notice of the achievement. Veteran tennis commentator Mary Carillo noted, "What we're seeing is the beautiful transfer of wisdom and energy between generations. Venus is playing with the joy of someone who remembers why she fell in love with the game, and Leylah is getting a masterclass in real-time. It's magical to watch."
Looking Ahead to the Next Challenge
The dream run is far from over. In the third round, Williams and Fernandez will face their toughest test yet: the third-seeded team of Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens. Hunter and Mertens are both doubles specialists and former world No. 1s, with Mertens being a three-time major doubles champion. The matchup promises to be a fascinating contrast in styles and experience.
Despite the daunting challenge ahead, the pair remains undaunted. Fernandez summed up their attitude perfectly: "We're just going to go out there and have fun, play our game. We have nothing to lose. We're already playing with house money, so we're going to be aggressive and enjoy every second of it on a big court."
For Venus Williams, this US Open has transformed from a singles comeback attempt into a celebrated doubles adventure. Alongside the effervescent Leylah Fernandez, she is not only adding another chapter to her own legendary story but also helping to usher in the next generation, all while proving that great tennis transcends age and generations.