Serena Williams’ husband and Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian made sure to spotlight his sister-in-law Venus Williams as she made a spirited return at the 2025 US Open. The tech entrepreneur hyped up Venus on social media as she and Canadian star Leylah Fernandez strung together an impressive run in women’s doubles.
How Did Venus Williams Make Her Historic Return at the 2025 US Open?
After dealing with long-term health issues, including Sjögren’s syndrome and a recent surgery to treat uterine fibroids, the 45-year-old stepped back onto the courts at Flushing Meadows for her first Major in two years. Her return made history, as she became the oldest singles competitor at the US Open since Renée Richards played in 1981 at age 47.
In the opening round in singles, she put up a spirited fight against 11th seed Karolína Muchová, splitting the first two sets before bowing out 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Her campaign stretched beyond singles, with appearances in both mixed and women’s doubles.
In mixed doubles, Williams paired with fellow American Reilly Opelka, drawing a tough first-round matchup against Muchová once again, this time alongside Andrey Rublev. Despite their efforts, Williams and Opelka were unable to advance.
But the real spark came in women’s doubles, where Williams teamed up with 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez. Together, the duo pulled off an electrifying run. They upset sixth seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez 7-6(4), 6-3, defeated Eri Hozumi and Ulrikke Eikeri 7-6(1), 6-1, and then toppled 12th seeds Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals.
The latter win set up a marquee clash with top seeds Taylor Townsend and Kateřina Siniaková.
The Venus and Leylah show rolls on!
They defeat Alexandrova/Zhang 6-3, 6-4. pic.twitter.com/SqmUKkQCc3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 1, 2025
Ahead of Williams and Fernandez’s third-round match, the US Open’s official X account posted a video of the two walking into Louis Armstrong Stadium. Ohanian, who has long been vocal in championing the Williams sisters’ achievements, joined in celebrating the moment by resharing the clip, writing, “Y’all watching, too, right?”
Y’all watching, too, right? https://t.co/RQ00IkyaRl
— Alexis Ohanian 🗽 (@alexisohanian) September 1, 2025
MORE: Leylah Fernandez Makes Her Feelings Known on Venus Williams’ ‘Best Doubles Player’ Claim
Venus Shares Strong Message for Sister Serena After Reaching US Open Doubles QF
During her on-court interview following the third-round victory, Venus directed a strong message toward her sister Serena. “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,” she said.
The 45-year-old also revealed a bit of advice Serena had offered her before the match, noting: “It’s so funny because midmatch I told Leylah I was like ‘you know Serena told me, I’m not going to tell you what she told me, but she said I have to do this more’. And then Leylah says ‘my sister told me the same thing’, the same exact advice so it’s so funny but like we’re on the same wavelength and hopefully we can keep it going”
Venus and Serena formed one of the most dominant doubles partnerships in tennis history, winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals (2000, 2008, 2012).
