Venus Williams stays at the US Open! Will play doubles with Leylah Fernandez

Venus Williams will remain a highlight of the US Open this year, teaming up with Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in the women’s doubles after an early singles exit. The 45-year-old American legend fell to Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova in the first round but will return to the court alongside her 23-years-younger doubles partner.

This is Williams’ record-extending 25th appearance at her home Grand Slam, a testament to her extraordinary career and longevity. Following her singles exit, Williams shared that she had not intended to compete in any more tournaments this season, preferring not to travel for work outside of the United States. Hence, this doubles wildcard gives her a perfect chance to step back on court and enjoy a few more matches.

Fernandez and Williams are teaming up for the first time. In their opening match, the pair will take on the sixth-seeded duo of Lyudmyla Kichenok from Ukraine and Australia’s Ellen Perez.

Williams is no stranger to doubles success in New York. She lifted the US Open trophy in 1999 and 2009, both times with her sister Serena. Fernandez reached the women’s doubles quarterfinals at the 2023 US Open and finished as singles runner-up in 2021.

Here’s the full list of women’s doubles wildcards at the 2025 US Open:

Venus Williams and Leylah FernandezHailey Baptiste and Whitney OsuigweReese Brantmeier and Alanis HamiltonCarmen Corley and Ivana CorleyKristina Penickova and Thea FrodinClervie Ngounoue and Iva JovicJulieta Pareja and Akasha Urhobo