Venus Williams is turning heads at the US Open, but not for the reason many expected. After a quick exit from the singles bracket, the 45-year-old tennis legend found new life in the doubles event, teaming up with Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez.
Their first-round victory was impressive, but it was what Williams said afterward that sent shockwaves through the tennis world and left her new partner speechless.
Why Was Leylah Fernandez ‘Shocked’ By Venus Williams’ Ultimate Compliment?
After a disappointing first-round loss in the singles event, in what was her first Grand Slam appearance in over two years, Williams redeemed herself with an emphatic doubles victory alongside Fernandez. The wild-card duo took down the No. 6 seeds, Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez, on Thursday night at the US Open 2025.
Following the win, however, the conversation quickly shifted from the match to Williams’s high praise for her partner. The American veteran reportedly called Fernandez one of the best doubles partners she has ever had, a list previously reserved for her sister, Serena Williams.
During their post-match press conference, a reporter asked Fernandez how it felt to receive such a massive compliment.
“I was shocked. It’s probably the biggest compliment I’ve ever gotten,” Fernandez replied. “Thank you, Venus. I feel like those are big shoes to fill at the moment, but you know, I am just super happy. I think it’s just another opportunity for me to get better as a tennis player and just keep improving.”
Leylah Fernandez on Venus Williams calling her the best doubles partner she’s ever had besides Serena:
“I was shocked… it’s probably the biggest compliment I’ve ever gotten. I feel like those are big shoes to fill” 😂
(via US Open Press)
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 29, 2025
The victory was Williams’ first in doubles in New York since 2014, when she and Serena reached the quarterfinals. The crowd inside Louis Armstrong Stadium was electric, cheering on the new pairing throughout their first-round match.
Williams herself explained why she felt so strongly about the 22-year-old Canadian’s performance. “Our energy really matched each other in terms of determination, in terms of not giving up, in terms of really still just being focused and dialed in in every single thing,” Williams said.
She added, “That felt amazing because I never really played with a partner, outside of Serena, obviously, who had that kind of mentality, so it was really fun.”
Now, the wildcard pairing of Williams and Fernandez will look to build on their momentum as they face Eri Hozumi and Ulrikke Eikeri in the second round on Friday night.
