At 45, Venus Williams closed an emotional chapter at the 2025 U.S. Open, exiting the women’s doubles quarterfinals alongside partner Leylah Fernandez after a 6‑1, 6‑2 loss to top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniaková. The match lasted just 56 minutes—but the lasting image came from Williams’s standing ovation at Louis Armstrong Stadium, embraced by teammates and fans alike.
Dominating from the start, Townsend and Siniaková executed nearly flawless tennis—amassing 19 winners and only three unforced errors—to advance to the semifinals. Despite the defeat, both opponents hailed Williams’s legacy: Townsend admitted she once chose tennis inspired by Williams’s iconic style, while Siniaková called playing against a “legend” a genuine privilege.
Williams, returning after health setbacks, expressed pride in maintaining her authentic aggressive style—even after years away from Grand Slams. As questions swirl about her future, her fierce determination remains evident: “I go for it… I know who I am,” she remarked.
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