Venus Williams drops a 'special' message for sister Serena after reaching US Open women's doubles quarterfinals

Venus Williams shared a heartfelt message for her sister Serena after advancing to the US Open women's doubles quarterfinals with Leylah Fernandez. Revealing her wish, Venus says it's time for Serena Williams to visit and watch her play. After teaming up with Fernandez to defeat the 12th-seeded pair of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4 in their third-round clash on Monday at a packed Louis Armstrong Stadium, Williams urged her younger sister to come out and support her.


"She’s so happy for Leylah and I, and she’s given us advice," Williams said. "We just need her in the box. So, my message is, ‘Serena, you need to show up'."


This marks Williams’ first Grand Slam doubles quarterfinal appearance since 2016. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion made her return to the tour in late July at the Washington Open after a 16-month hiatus. Following her singles loss earlier at Flushing Meadows, she suggested that the US Open would likely be her final tournament of the season.

The Williams sisters captured 14 Grand Slam titles as a pair. And while Serena may decide not to attend in person, there’s little doubt she’s following every moment closely.

"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'," Venus said.

"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 also said she was sent a video of her two nieces watching the match and yelling her name.


Venus and Fernandez secured their third consecutive victory at the Grand Slam tournament, maintaining an undefeated 3-0 record and not losing a set since receiving a wild-card entry last week. The pair, who had not played together prior to last week, impressed spectators with their performance.

"We’re on the same wavelength, and hopefully we can keep it going," Williams said.

The 45-year-old American and her 22-year-old Canadian partner needed only an hour and 14 minutes to seal their place in the next round in front of a packed Armstrong crowd.

"I have full confidence in Venus, and I hope she has full confidence in me during our match," Fernandez said. "We’re just going out there, playing our game: Be offensive, aggressive and ready for the ball."