Venus Williams Secures First US Open Doubles Win Since 2014

In a significant comeback, Venus Williams achieved her first women’s doubles victory at the US Open in over a decade on September 7, 2023. The 45-year-old teamed up with Leylah Fernandez to defeat the sixth-seeded duo of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez with a score of 7-6 (4), 6-3. This win marks a notable milestone for Williams, who has not celebrated a doubles victory at this Grand Slam event since 2014.

The match took place at the nearly full Louis Armstrong Stadium, where Williams and Fernandez captivated fans with their performance. Despite trailing 2-5 in the opening set, the pair rallied to secure the tiebreaker, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Williams, known for her charismatic presence, expressed her appreciation during an on-court interview, calling Fernandez “the best partner I ever played with — outside of Serena.”

Historic Return and Emotional Victory

Williams has had a challenging few years, stepping away from competitive tennis for 16 months before her return in July 2023, where she played both singles and doubles at Washington. Prior to this victory, she had not won a women’s doubles match at any Grand Slam tournament since the 2018 French Open. Her last success in women’s doubles at the US Open occurred alongside her sister, Serena Williams, when they reached the quarterfinals in 2014.

In addition to her doubles success, Williams has an impressive record, including seven Grand Slam singles titles and two mixed doubles championships. Her experience and tenacity were evident as she faced Karolina Muchova, the 11th seed, in the singles competition earlier in the tournament, pushing her opponent to three sets before exiting.

On her first day back in doubles at a Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open, which was Serena’s last tournament, the win over Kichenok and Perez rejuvenated Williams. The atmosphere in the stadium reflected the fans’ excitement and support, with cheers echoing as the pair celebrated their victory. Signs in the crowd welcomed Williams back, underscoring her enduring legacy in the sport.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, Williams aims to build momentum as she continues her campaign in the tournament alongside Fernandez. The duo’s performance resonated with the audience, showcasing not only their skills but also the spirit of perseverance that has characterized Williams’ career. As she progresses through the US Open, fans will undoubtedly be eager to see how far she can go, hoping for yet another inspiring chapter in her storied legacy.

As Williams continues to defy expectations, her journey serves as a reminder of her resilience and passion for the sport. The tennis world watches closely, excited to see what this remarkable athlete will achieve next.