Venus Williams has special message for Serena after reaching US Open doubles QF
Venus Williams had a special message for Serena after reaching the US Open women’s doubles quarterfinal with Leylah Fernandez, telling her younger sister she “needs” her to show up for her next match.
After Venus exited the US Open singles event in the first round, it was revealed that she wouldn’t leave New York yet after accepting a doubles wildcard with Fernandez. Since then, the 45-year-old American and the 22-year-old Canadian have been the best story of this year’s doubles event at Flushing Meadows as they upset No. 6 seeds Lyudymila Kichenok and Ellen Perez, defeated Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi, before also sending home 12th-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai.
Following a 6-3 6-4 win over Alexandrova and Zhang, Venus revealed that she and Fernandez received some pre-match tips by Serena.
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“She (Serena) is so happy for Leylah and I, and she’s given us advice. We just need her in the box. So, my message is, ‘Serena, you need to show up,'” the elder Williams sister said.
Venus Williams: Serena gets so excited and nervous watching
According to the 45-year-old former world No. 1, her younger sister has been following her matches fully locked in.
“She gave me a pep talk and made sure to call me today. I was, like, ‘You’re right. I got it. I got it.’ She’s definitely coaching from afar. She’s so excited. She gets so nervous watching, and she’s got the kids watching. They’re all at home, just really on our side,” Venus shared.
For a place in the US Open doubles semifinal, Williams and Fernandez will take on No. 1 seeds Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
