Serena Williams Coaching Elder Sister Venus From Afar: 'She Gets So Nervous...'

Last Updated:September 02, 2025, 16:07 IST

Venus Williams partnered with Leylah Fernandez to enter the US Open doubles quarterfinals.

Serena Williams (left) and Venus Williams (AFP/AP)

Serena Williams may no longer be competing in the US Open, but her influence was still felt on Monday. Venus Williams shared that her younger sister has been offering guidance from afar as she and Leylah Fernandez advanced to the doubles quarterfinals.

Wildcards Venus and Fernandez achieved a 6-3, 6-4 victory over the 12th seeds, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai. This win marks the first major doubles quarter-final for Venus since 2016 and continues the remarkable journey of the 45-year-old American and her 22-year-old Canadian partner.

The evening combined a sense of nostalgia with a fresh dynamism, as Venus, who has won 14 doubles majors with Serena, now embarks on a new chapter with Fernandez’s youthful energy. Venus humorously mentioned wanting her sister at Flushing Meadows.

“She gave me a pep talk today. She gets so nervous watching, and her kids are shouting my name," Venus said during an on-court interview.

“She’s thrilled for Leylah and me and offers us advice. We just need her in the box. My message is, Serena, you need to show up."

The crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium was electric, cheering for the American veteran, while off the court, the scene was equally vibrant. Vogue editor Anna Wintour and Academy Award winner Rami Malek were seen mingling with regular fans, thanks to the stadium’s lack of luxury suites.

Despite the lively atmosphere, Venus admitted that the most influential voice she hears is still her sister’s from afar.

“She’s definitely coaching from a distance," Venus later told reporters. “She gave me a pep talk and made sure to call me today. I was like, ‘You’re right, I got it.'"

Fernandez, laughing, added: “If she came, we’d probably bully her into hitting with us."

Williams and Fernandez continue their remarkable run and will next face top seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, who recently lost a marathon singles match after missing eight match points on Sunday.

With Reuters Inputs

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September 02, 2025, 16:07 IST

News sports Serena Williams Coaching Elder Sister Venus From Afar: 'She Gets So Nervous...'

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