NEW YORK — Venus Williams may downplay her doubles game, but her results tell a different story. On Thursday night, the 45-year-old American captured her first U.S. Open women’s doubles victory in more than a decade, partnering with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez to defeat sixth seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez 7-6 (4), 6-3.
Williams, who owns 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena, called Fernandez “the best partner I ever played with — outside of Serena.” She praised the 22-year-old Canadian’s grit and intensity, even saying Fernandez reminded her of her legendary sibling. Fernandez, in turn, said it was the “biggest compliment” she’d ever received.
A packed Louis Armstrong Stadium roared throughout the 90-minute match, giving the pair a standing ovation after they rallied from 2-5 down in the opening set to claim the tiebreaker. Chants of “Here we go, Venus!” and signs reading “Welcome to the Williams show” made the duo instant fan favorites.
The victory marked Williams’ first women’s doubles win at Flushing Meadows since 2014 and her first at any Slam since the 2018 French Open. Granted a wild card entry, she now advances with Fernandez to face Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi in the second round.
“I actually feel great,” Williams said afterward. “With some luck, maybe we’ll win another round and just keep getting better.”