The 2025 US Open has been full of surprises, but few stories have captured attention like the unexpected pairing of tennis legend Venus Williams and young Canadian star Leylah Fernandez.
Despite a 23-year age gap, the duo has shown that experience and youth can blend seamlessly on court, dazzling fans with their aggressive style and undeniable chemistry.
Round 2 Victory Sets the Tone
In their Round 2 match at Flushing Meadows, Williams and Fernandez faced Norway’s Ulrikke Eikeri and Japan’s Eri Hozumi.
The pair triumphed in straight sets, 7-6 (7/1), 6-1, earning a spot in the third round.
The match lasted 1 hour and 37 minutes, showcasing their impressive serving, with Fernandez and Williams winning 79% of their first serves and converting 57% of break points compared to their opponents’ 20%.
Even after an early struggle in the first set, the pair found their rhythm, winning seven consecutive points to close out the opener and dominate the rest of the match.
Their coordinated movements at the net and precise shot placement demonstrated a level of teamwork that had the crowd roaring with excitement.
Bridging Generations
Venus Williams, at 45, continues to defy age in her 25th US Open appearance, carrying a legacy of seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 doubles championships.
Partnering with Fernandez, the 22-year-old US Open 2021 finalist, Williams has effectively passed the torch while remaining a central force on court.
For Fernandez, teaming up with a living legend was a dream come true.
She has previously shared how thrilled she was after their initial conversation, saying she felt like it was Christmas morning when Williams agreed to play alongside her.
Style Meets Performance
Fans were also treated to a visual spectacle, with Williams performing her signature pirouette in a grey-and-black pleated outfit from her EleVen line.
The combination of grace, power, and balletic flair perfectly encapsulated her enduring presence on the court and her ability to inspire both teammates and spectators alike.
Killer Instinct Drives the Partnership
At the post-match press conference, Fernandez praised Williams’s on-court intensity.
“That kind of brought up my energy too, seeing and hearing, seeing what Venus is doing on court. It’s so incredible,” she said.
Williams explained that their shared aggressive mindset fuels their dynamic: “We’re looking to control the point and move forward.
We’re on the same wavelength, which makes it easy for us to coordinate.”
Fernandez echoed the sentiment, noting their seamless understanding during rallies: “When I move, I know Venus is covering the other corner. It’s a nice harmony dynamic.”
Looking Beyond Flushing Meadows
When asked if their partnership might continue at other tournaments, including the Australian Open, Williams laughed: “If she can get me on the road, definitely.
But it’s so far away.” Fernandez, also smiling, admitted she wasn’t sure of her own next schedule.
Clearly, some “internal talks” will be needed before any future plans.
Legacy and Inspiration
Williams reflected on the impact she and Serena have had on younger stars like Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff.
“I don’t really think of it that way. I just see how exciting it is for tennis, how everyone will be watching.
If I played a part in that, amazing—but now, they’re flying,” she said.
The Journey Continues
Williams and Fernandez went on to defeat 12th seeds Ekaterina Alexandrova and Shuai Zhang in the third round, 6-3, 6-4, before falling to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova in the quarter-finals, 6-1, 6-2.
Their partnership, though brief, offered fans a thrilling glimpse into the power of experience meeting youthful energy at one of tennis’s biggest stages.