At the US Open 2025, Venus Williams partnered with 22-year-old Leylah Fernandez. Meanwhile, her sister Serena retired from professional tennis in September 2023, though she has often credited Venus for shaping her career.

Venus Williams (R) and Serena Williams (L) have always shared a close bond with each other. Credit: Instagram|serenawilliams

Venus Williams brought in some humour to the US Open 2025 when she playfully called out her sister and former doubles partner, Serena Williams. After advancing to the quarterfinals with 22-year-old Leylah Fernandez on September 1, the 45-year-old tennis veteran was asked about Serena’s support.

“She’s so happy for Leylah and I and she’s given us advice,” Venus said during an on-court interview. “We just need her in the [player’s] box. My message is: Serena, you need to show up,” according to ESPN.

Venus Williams paired with 22-year-old Leylah Fernandez for the US Open doubles matches. Credit: Instagram|leylahannietennis

Serena Williams starts banter with a playful TikTok video

Before the tournament even began, Serena had poked fun at her sister by sharing a TikTok and speaking about Venus’ new doubles partner. In the clip, she exaggeratedly rolled her eyes while watching Venus and Fernandez play on TV, captioning the video: “When you see your sister @Venus Williams has a new doubles partner @leylahanniefernandez and you are really happy she’s winning with someone else…”

Venus Williams (L) and Serena Williams (R) all decked up. Credit: Instagram|serenawilliams

Serena later posted a more heartfelt message on Instagram, sharing a carousel of photos of Venus on the court. “Strength, courage, determination, class, perseverance, inspiration… there’s not enough words to describe how proud I am of you @VenusWilliams,” she wrote, adding, “P.S. I hope to be like you.”

Serena Williams reflects on her bond with Venus

Serena retired from professional tennis in September 2023, but she has often credited Venus for shaping her career. In her Vogue essay announcing retirement, Serena had written about traveling with Venus as her hitting partner and learning from her sister’s setbacks. “If I hadn’t been in Venus’s shadow, I would never be who I am,” she said.

Venus Williams (R) and Serena Williams (L) in their younger days. Credit: Instagram|venuswilliams

Venus Williams’ short-lived run at US Open 2025

Venus and Fernandez’s campaign ended on September 2 when they lost their quarterfinal match to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova. Still, the tournament offered fans a glimpse of both Williams sisters’ enduring bond – on and off the court.