New York — Tennis legend Venus Williams has ended her 2025 U.S. Open run after she and doubles partner Leylah Fernandez were defeated in straight sets by top seeds Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniaková, 6-1, 6-2, in the quarterfinals.
The match, played at Louis Armstrong Stadium, turned into an emotional farewell moment as the crowd rose to give Williams a standing ovation. Townsend and Siniaková also joined in the applause, acknowledging the 44-year-old’s impact on the game and her extraordinary career that spans more than two decades.
For Williams, this was her 25th appearance at the U.S. Open, a tournament she first played as a teenager in 1997. Her legacy includes seven Grand Slam singles titles and a pivotal role in shaping modern women’s tennis both on and off the court.
Taylor Townsend, reflecting on the moment, said: “Growing up watching Venus and Serena was an inspiration. To play against her here is an honor I’ll never forget.”
While the loss ended her doubles campaign, Williams showed no signs of an official retirement announcement. Her remarks after the match focused on resilience and improvement, leaving open the possibility of future appearances.
Whether or not this was her final U.S. Open, the sendoff demonstrated the deep respect she commands in the sport. Fans and fellow players alike hailed her as a trailblazer whose influence will continue to resonate for generations.
