Leylah Fernandez had nothing but praise for Venus Williams following their doubles win at the U.S. Open on Saturday.

After the pair beat Eri Hozumi and Ulrikke Eikeri 7-6 (1), 6-1 in straight sets, Fernandez thanked her doubles partner for all of the motivation, calling Williams “inspirational.”

“She’s such an inspiration,” Fernandez said of Williams on the sidelines following the match. “You have motivated me to keep going on this journey through the good and the bad. Seeing you playing out here, having fun, playing it because you love the sport, it’s motivating. It’s inspirational.

“So this is your moment, too, and thank you so much for everything you have done.”

Despite struggling in singles late in her career, including losing to Karolina Muchova in the first round at the U.S. Op

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