Post by : Rameen Ariff

Photo : AFP

Even though Serena Williams is no longer competing at the US Open, her influence was felt strongly on Monday as her sister Venus Williams and her partner Leylah Fernandez advanced to the doubles quarter-finals. Serena has been coaching and guiding Venus from afar, offering advice and encouragement as the pair continue their unexpected run at Flushing Meadows.

Venus and Fernandez, who entered the tournament as wildcards, defeated the 12th-seeded duo of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. The victory marks Venus’s first major doubles quarter-final since 2016 and adds another chapter to the growing story of the 45-year-old veteran teaming up with the 22-year-old Canadian star.

A Night of Nostalgia and New Beginnings

The match blended nostalgia with fresh energy, as fans witnessed Venus, a 14-time doubles Grand Slam champion alongside Serena, partnering with Fernandez’s youthful energy and quickness. Venus also humorously called out for her sister’s presence in the stands.

“She gave me a pep talk today. She gets so nervous watching, and she’s got her kids yelling my name. She's so happy for Leylah and I, she's giving us advice. We just need her in the box. My message is, Serena, you need to show up,” Venus said on court.

The crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium cheered passionately throughout the match, lifting Venus and Fernandez with their energy. Off the court, the atmosphere was just as remarkable. Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Academy Award winner Rami Malek were spotted mingling among regular fans, taking advantage of the stadium’s secondary seating area without luxury suites.

Serena Coaching from Afar

While the New York crowd provided loud support, the guiding voice Venus hears most clearly is still her sister Serena, even from a distance. Venus shared with reporters:

“She’s definitely coaching from a distance. She gave me a pep talk and made sure to call me today. I was like, ‘You're right, I got it.’”

Fernandez also joked about Serena’s role in the team:

“Most likely, if she came, we'd probably bully her into hitting with us,” Fernandez laughed.

Serena’s encouragement seems to have given the duo extra confidence on the court, blending the experience of Venus with the youth and energy of Fernandez, creating a strong and dynamic partnership.

The Road Ahead

With this win, Venus and Fernandez continue their fairytale run at the US Open. Their next opponents will be the top-seeded team of Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend. Siniakova and Townsend came into the doubles match after a marathon singles match, in which Townsend lost despite having eight match points on Sunday.

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The pairing of Venus and Fernandez has captivated fans and media alike, showing that experience and youth can combine successfully in high-pressure Grand Slam situations. Fans are eager to see if this unlikely duo can push past the top seeds and possibly claim the title.

Human Moments and Fan Reactions

Beyond the action on the court, the match highlighted the human side of tennis. Fans cheered for every point, and the bond between Venus and her sister Serena reminded everyone of the power of family support in sports.

The scene at Flushing Meadows combined celebrity appearances, passionate crowds, and the excitement of a fairytale run, making the match memorable not just for the results but also for the story behind the players.

Venus and Fernandez’s success is a mix of skill, teamwork, and guidance, with Serena playing a quiet but influential role from afar. The duo now looks forward to their next match, with fans hoping the story continues and perhaps leads to a Grand Slam doubles final