With the 2 p.m. deadline for doubles entries looming, they had 50 minutes and ticking to find Williams a replacement. “Diana,” Ein said, catching his breath, “how would you like to play doubles this week with Venus Williams?” Williams entered Wednesday ranked 664th in the world in singles, 124th in doubles.) So do the words offered this week by Leylah Fernandez, who has played doubles with Williams twice, including at the 2025 U.S. Open. She spoke of her hopes for a delayed reunion with Serena in U.S. Open doubles later this summer, provided Serena is healthy.