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Venus Williams, Leylah Fernandez move on to US Open doubles quarterfinals (0:22)
Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez defeat Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai in the round of 16 to advance to the quarterfinals of the US Open. (0:22)
Associated Press
Sep 1, 2025, 06:46 PM ET
NEW YORK -- Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez reached the women's doubles quarterfinals at the US Open, defeating the 12th-seeded duo of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4 in their third-round match Monday in front of a capacity crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Williams and Fernandez had not played together until last week, when they received a wild-card entry into the field at the Grand Slam tournament. They are now 3-0 and have not lost a set.
"We're on the same wavelength, and hopefully, we can keep it going," Williams said.
With the stands packed at Armstrong and a wait to get in to see Williams, 45, and Fernandez, 22, they needed just 1 hour, 14 minutes to move on.
"I have full confidence in Venus, and I hope she has full confidence in me during our match," Fernandez said. "We're just going out there, playing our game: Be offensive, aggressive and ready for the ball."
Williams has called Fernandez her best partner other than sister Serena, with whom she won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Only one is still playing, but Venus is getting help from Serena from afar and wants more.
"She's so happy for Leylah and I, and she's given us advice," Williams said. "We just need her in the box. So, my message is, 'Serena, you need to show up.'"
