Hailey Baptiste called Venus Williams’ first-round showing at the U.S. Open “incredibly inspiring” as the tennis legend prepares to make a return in doubles, teaming up with Leylah Fernandez for what promises to be a fresh burst of energy in New York.
Williams, 45, was awarded a wild card into the doubles draw alongside Fernandez, ensuring the American icon will extend her grand slam run even as she continues to add chapters to her storied career. The pair will join a field that’s eager to see Williams back in action on a big stage later this week.
Baptiste, who beat Katerina Siniakova 7-5, 6-3 on Tuesday to reach a second-round match with Naomi Osaka, reflected on her own high-profile run with Williams at the DC Open last month. She recalled the experience as unforgettable and described Williams as “so fun to play with,” with a loud, supportive crowd at her home tournament amplifying the moment.
Looking ahead to Williams’ doubles debut in New York, Baptiste said it would be thrilling to watch. “I’m glad she was able to have a good competitive match [on Monday] and that she can continue in the doubles. I hope that she does well,” Baptiste added, praising Williams for still giving the best players in the world a tough challenge and noting that she “shut up a lot of people” with her performance.
On Monday night, Williams drew a standing ovation after a competitive first-round loss to Karolina Muchova, the No. 11 seed. Baptiste pointed to that moment as evidence of Williams’ ongoing impact and resilience, a sign of why her presence in the doubles draw matters beyond any single match result.
Baptiste herself is thriving this season. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a standout year, breaking into the top 50 with a career-high ranking of 47 after strong showings at Roland Garros and Wimbledon (reaching the fourth round and third round, respectively). She and Osaka have met twice this year—once in Auckland and again in Miami—with Osaka taking both battles, and Baptiste is excited for a third encounter when they could clash again in the coming rounds. “It will be a super fun match. The crowd, hopefully, will be behind me. I know she’s a past champion, but I’m American,” Baptiste joked.
Baptiste also shared a personal takeaway from her time with Williams: the importance of blocking out outside voices and focusing on what you believe and can control. “You can’t listen to outside voices. So many people saying so many different things … at the end of the day, it’s what you think and what you believe,” she said.
What this means for the Open
– Williams’ doubles pairing adds a veteran spark and a global fan draw to a doubles field already buzzing with American talent.
– Baptiste’s continued ascent and her high-profile singles matchup versus Osaka create a tense but promising storyline for American fans as the tournament unfolds.
– Williams’ presence could lift Fernandez and the American contingent in a week crowded with high-stakes matches, further fueling interest in the home crowd.
Summary: Venus Williams’ wild-card entry into the U.S. Open doubles field alongside Leylah Fernandez heightens expectations for a week of electric tennis, while Hailey Baptiste’s ongoing rise and her upcoming third-round challenge against Naomi Osaka keep the spotlight firmly on young American stars and a veteran icon who continues to inspire.
Additional notes
– If Williams and Fernandez perform well, expect additional attention on the doubles draw’s dynamic: seasoned experience pairing with new-generation talent could yield entertaining, tightly contested matches.
– Baptiste’s remarks reflect a broader theme in contemporary tennis: success often comes from staying focused and confident amidst external noise, a mindset that can propel young players through the pressures of a major championship.