Venus Williams dropped probably the biggest possible praise on Leylah Fernandez, declaring the 22-year-old "the best doubles partner" she has had outside of her sister Serena.
At the start of the US Open, it was revealed that Venus - who received a singles main draw wildcard - also took a doubles wildcard alongside Fernandez. And the American/Canadian combination impressed in their debut, upsetting No. 6 seeds Lyudymila Kichenok and Ellen Perez 7-6 (4) 6-3. They didn't stop there, also beating Ulrikke Eikeri and Eri Hozumi 7-6 (1) 6-1.
Our energy really matched each other in terms of determination, in terms of not giving up, in terms of really still just focused and dialed in in every single thing. That felt amazing because I never really played with a partner outside of Serena, obviously who had that kind of mentality, so it was really fun," Williams said of Fernandez.
ADVERTISEMENT
Venus and Serena rarely played doubles - but when they played - they were a formidable duo as they lifted 14 Grand Slams together.
Fernandez reacts to Williams' massive praise
After hearing about the praise that came from the former world No. 1, the top-ranked Canadianfemale tennis player couldn't hide her happiness.
It was like probably the biggest compliment I ever got, so thank you, Venus. Oh, man. I feel like those are big shoes to fill at the moment," the 22-year-old said.
Fernandez also had a beautiful message and tribute for Williams.
Shes such an inspiration. You have motivated me to keep going on this journey through the good and the bad. Seeing you playing out here, having fun, playing it because you love the sport, its motivating. Its inspirational," the 22-year-old Canadian said of her 45-year-old US Open doubles partner.
ADVERTISEMENT
In the US Open women's doubles round-of-16, Williams and Fernandez will take on either Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai or Katie Boulter and Sonay Kartal.
