2026 just isn’t favouring Venus Williams, and even Miami couldn’t change that. But that didn’t stop her from getting real on Leylah Fernandez.

The 45-year-old entered the Miami Open on a wildcard and reunited with Fernandez to end her long losing streak. Though that dream didn’t come true, the older Williams sister had only wholesome things to say about the younger one.

“There’s always so much energy and love from @Miamiopen”, the star shared in an X post on March 26. “Grateful to share the court and these moments with incredible players like @leylahfernandez.”

The pair’s run ended pretty fast on March 22, with a 3-6, 6-3, [13-11] in the first-round match against Asia Muhammad and Erin Routliffe. A win seemed doable based on how things started, but Fernandez’s critical, uncharacteristic errors got in the way.

She squandered 3 consecutive match points, hit one ball long, and two shots into the net, and there was no way to make a comeback anymore. But Williams still cherished the time she had with her, a continuation of their previous partnership.

Venus Williams Called Leylah Fernandez Her “Best Partner”

Williams’ losing streak may have extended to 11^th after the Miami heartbreak, but let’s not forget her 2025 U.S Open quarterfinal run. It was her first time pairing up with Fernandez after the Canadian’s original partner, Marie Bouzková, withdrew due to injury.

Tho Williams considered rejecting the invitation, she ultimately agreed on a “whim”. And after that unexpected partnership and synergy, she just had to credit the chemistry, the style and the similarities.

“It’s the best partner I’ve ever played with outside of Serena,” Williams said about their camaraderie. “We’re almost the same. We play the same style. I’m just a little bit bigger. We’re a great team.”

This time, the game may not have favoured them, but there’s no denying their unique bond despite a huge age gap.

Do you think they’ll pair up again and have a better performance in their next game? Comment it down.

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Written by

Deblina Roy

Edited by

Souvik Roy