Amid the loud cheers from passionate Filipino fans, Alexandra Eala also received support from Venus Williams’ husband, Andrea Preti, in the stands during her opening match at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open. Preti’s backing came just days after Eala ended her doubles partnership with Williams.
Venus Williams’ Husband Cheers on Alexandra Eala at the DC Open
Eala survived a tough test against Zheng Qinwen in the first round of the DC Open. Zheng appeared on the verge of victory after clinching the first set and securing a crucial break to take a 4-3 lead in the second. However, Eala displayed her resilience by winning seven games in a row and went on to claim an impressive 4-6, 6-4, 6-1 victory.
Venus Williams’ husband, Andrea Preti, witnessed the 21-year-old’s heroics from the stands and displayed his support on his Instagram story.
“Let’s go @alex.eala,” Preti posted.
this is so sweet 🥹 https://t.co/dso4arJlBU pic.twitter.com/VC7DlYUikX
— . (@milaton_) July 29, 2026
Eala felt the love from her supporters during the tough contest and expressed her appreciation for the electric atmosphere in her post-match interview.
“This is my first time competing in D.C. I knew there was a Filipino community. Most of these places I’m not really sure what to expect at this point, but I was pleasantly surprised. I think there was a great atmosphere on court today, very electric,” she said.
Preti’s show of support followed the abrupt end to Eala and Williams’ highly anticipated doubles partnership at the DC Open. The pair had been slated to compete together and were even seen practicing together ahead of the tournament, only for Williams to instead team up with Diana Shnaider.
Addressing the decision during her pre-tournament press conference, Eala explained that she did not have the bandwidth to balance both the singles and doubles events. The 21-year-old also spoke highly of Williams, expressing hope that they would have another opportunity to play together in the future.
“I have so much respect for Venus. I am so grateful for every opportunity that I have to be around her, to learn from her, to hit with her. But I do think this is my first week coming back, and I think that Venus is someone who deserves a partner who can give their all physically, emotionally, mentally when they’re on court with her,” Eala said.
“I think right now I think I can only do that for singles. I don’t have the capacity yet to be able to give that in both singles and doubles,” she added.
This isn’t the first time Preti has publicly backed Eala. Earlier this month, Williams and her husband both shared heartwarming reactions when Eala made history during her impressive run to the fourth round at Wimbledon.
Up next, Alexandra Eala will square off against No. 7 seed and defending champion Leylah Fernandez in a blockbuster second-round showdown at the DC Open.
Venus Williams, meanwhile, suffered a 6-3, 6-3 loss to Anastasia Potapova in her opening singles match. However, the former world No. 1 still has a chance to lift the doubles trophy at the WTA 500 event alongside her partner Diana Shnaider. The two have booked a spot in the quarterfinals after claiming a 6-3, 6-4 win in their tournament opener.
