Leylah Fernandez‘s dreams are coming true. The Canadian tennis player played doubles at the US Open with Venus Williams, one of the most beloved athletes of all time. The women won their first match against Liudmila Kichenok and Ellen Perez, with Fernandez sharing some sweet words following the game.
Fernandez, 22, was asked about playing with Williams and how that partnership took place. “I was like a kid on Christmas day just jumping around,” said Fernandez. “I was so happy. I don’t think I stopped smiling for the whole night and even in the morning. I was just super happy and excited.”
Fernandez and Williams addressed the crowd following their win, with Fernandez revealing that Williams’ wisdom came in handy throughout the match.
“I have no idea what I was thinking during that tiebreak,” she said, laughing with Williams. “I think I just kind of went on instinct. Venus said it perfectly: ‘Play it as if it was a singles match.’ So, I just didn’t want to think too much about putting the ball in a certain spot to help my partner. No, I just wanted to go out there, play, and I had full confidence with Venus at the net and even in the baseline.”
© Getty ImagesFor her part, Williams praised Fernandez and even compared her to her sister, Serena Williams. “I never really played with a partner, outside of Serena, obviously, who had [this] kind of mentality. So it was really fun, and I think we can just hopefully continue to get better,” she said.
Fernandez was moved by the praise, claiming it was the “biggest compliment I ever got.”
“Thank you, Venus,” she said. “Oh, man. I feel like those are big shoes to fill at the moment.”
© Getty ImagesWhat’s coming for both in the US Open
In the coming days, Fernandez and Williams have other matches. The former will be facing Aryna Sabalenka in the singles category.
Williams was eliminated in the first round of the tournament, losing to Karolina Muchova.
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