Venus Williams will continue her US Open 2025 journey in doubles after a singles first-round exit to Karolina Muchova. The 45-year-old tennis icon will partner 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez in the women’s doubles, after receiving a wildcard.
Williams has enjoyed major doubles success, winning 14 Grand Slam titles with Serena Williams. Their last triumph came at Wimbledon in 2016. At Flushing Meadows, Venus lifted two doubles trophies with Serena, first in 1999 and again in 2009.
Serena paid tribute to her sister after the singles defeat. She wrote on Instagram: “Strength, courage, determination, class, perseverance, inspiration… there’s not enough words to describe how proud I am of you. P.S. I hope to be like you.”
Leylah Fernandez and Williams Form a New Doubles Duo
Williams’ doubles run with Fernandez is expected to excite fans. Fernandez, who lost the 2021 US Open final to Emma Raducanu, has often played doubles this season. She has not had a regular partner, instead teaming up with her sister Bianca Jolie Fernandez and others like Lulu Sun, Yulia Putintseva, and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.
The pair will face Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez in their first-round clash on Thursday.
Health Struggles and a Determined Comeback
Williams received a warm ovation from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd during her singles loss to Muchova. She pushed her seeded opponent hard and even won a set.
In her post-match press conference, the seven-time Grand Slam singles winner said she felt relief playing “freer” on court. She has battled Sjogren’s syndrome since 2011 and more recently faced fibroids. Williams admitted her return has been difficult but also inspiring.
Since coming back, she has played doubles at the Washington Open and in the US Open mixed event. Before that, her last doubles appearance came during Serena’s farewell tournament in 2022.
Williams’ decision to team up with Fernandez ensures the Flushing Meadows crowd will see more of the legend. Their doubles campaign promises an exciting mix of experience and youthful energy as they target US Open 2025 success.
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