Venus Williams joined forces with Leylah Fernandez for the first time at this year’s US Open, and the new duo made an immediate impact by knocking out sixth seeds Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez to reach the second round. Their chemistry on court was so natural that Venus praised Leylah as the best partner she’s had outside of her sister Serena.
After a hard-fought singles loss to Karolina Muchova in the opening round on Tuesday, Williams accepted a wildcard to partner the 23-years-younger Fernandez.