NEW YORK — Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez reached the ladies’s doubles quarterfinals on the US Open, defeating the Twelfth-seeded duo of Ekaterina Alexandrova and Zhang Shuai 6-3, 6-4 of their third-round match Monday in entrance of a capability crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium.
Williams and Fernandez had not performed collectively till final week, once they obtained a wild-card entry into the sector on the Grand Slam match. They’re now 3-0 and haven’t misplaced a set within the course of.
“We’re on the identical wavelength, and hopefully we are able to preserve it going,” Williams mentioned.
With the stands packed at Armstrong and a wait to get in to see Williams and Fernandez, the 45-year-old American and 22-year-old Canadian wanted simply an hour and 14 minutes to maneuver on.
“I’ve full confidence in Venus, and I hope she has full confidence in me throughout our match,” Fernandez mentioned. “We’re simply going on the market, taking part in our recreation: Be offensive, aggressive and prepared for the ball.”
Williams has referred to as Fernandez her greatest accomplice apart from sister Serena, with whom she received 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Just one remains to be taking part in, however Venus is getting assist from Serena from afar and needs extra.
“She’s so completely satisfied for Leylah and I, and he or she’s given us recommendation,” Williams mentioned. “We simply want her within the field. So, my message is, ‘Serena, you have to present up.'”