Venus Williams issued a playful challenge to her sister Serena on Monday as she urged her retired sister to come to New York and support her in the US Open.
The 45-year-old’s storybook run in New York continued as she and partner Leylah Fernandez beat Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai to move into the quarterfinals.
And after Serena – who won 14 doubles Grand Slam titles alongside her big sister – jokingly feigned jealousy at Venus’ new partnership, Venus had a message for her sister after her and Fernandez’s 6-3, 6-3 win.
‘I think she had a very funny Tik Tok. But really she’s so happy for Leylah and I, and she’s given us advice,’ she said afterwards on the court.
‘We just need her in the box. So my message to Serena is: Serena ,you need to show up.’
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 completely packed Louis Armstrong Stadium (the US Open’s second-biggest arena) cheered her on.
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.
It’s certainly not common for a round of 16 doubles match to get such big billing, but Williams – a wild card entrant no less – 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.
And 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
