Venus Williams’ storybook US Open doubles run has continued on as she and partner Leylah Fernandez beat Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai in the fourth round on Monday.
The 45-year-old, who spent more than a year away from professional tennis, competed in the new-look mixed doubles tournament and in the main singles draw as well, but her partnership with Fernandez – 22 years her junior – has proven to be particularly fruitful.
And it was a testament to her prevailing star power on Monday as a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium (the US Open’s second-biggest arena) cheered her on to a 6-3, 6-3 win.
Such was the crowd’s adulation for her that they had to be told by the umpire to be seated for match point, though they didn’t have to wait much longer to get to their feet after Fernandez volleyed home a winner at the net.
Speaking on the court afterwards, the 14-time Grand Slam doubles winner seemed a bit in awe of the crowd that had made their way to see her as she greeted the fans.
And while it’s certainly not common for a round of 16 doubles match to get such big billing, but Williams certainly repaid organizers’ faith with some strong moments at the net, while the younger Fernandez covered up her lack of speed elsewhere on the court.
After Indian player Rohan Bopanna won last year’s Australian Open men’s doubles title at the ripe old age of 43, Williams will now be dreaming of a similar trajectory after another impressive outing from her and her new doubles partner.
More to follow
