Alexandra Eala and Venus Williams generated immense excitement when it was announced they would team up for doubles at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open. They were even spotted practicing together at the tournament venue before a sudden change of plans. Williams acquired a new partner for her campaign, while Eala dropped out of the doubles event altogether.
Ahead of her singles campaign, Eala has revealed the reason behind the abrupt end of her doubles partnership with the American.
Why Alexandra Eala Ended Her Doubles Partnership With Venus Williams
Eala and Williams first teamed up for doubles at the Bad Homburg Open earlier this year. The pair claimed a dominant win in their opening match but fell short in the subsequent round. Despite their short-lived partnership, they appeared to have built a strong rapport, with Williams showing her support for the Filipina during her impressive Wimbledon campaign.
Anticipation was high for their reunion at the WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C. However, when the doubles draw was unveiled, Williams was paired with Diana Shnaider, sparking confusion in the tennis community.
During her pre-tournament press conference, Eala emphasized her respect and gratitude for Williams while explaining the decision to end their partnership. She said the seven-time Grand Slam champion deserved a partner who could fully commit to the team, admitting she could only give her all in singles.
“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.”
Nevertheless, the 21-year-old expressed hope that they would be able to play together again in the future.
“I’m really grateful for the opportunity that I had, or have, and hopefully we see more of it in the future,” she said.
Alex Eala on why she isn’t playing doubles with Venus in D.C.:
“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… pic.twitter.com/jlkFIDXVgo
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) July 26, 2026
The seven-time Grand Slam champion echoed similar sentiments about wanting to revive their partnership, saying, “Would love for there to be future times. We’ll see what happens.”
Following her doubles withdrawal, Alexandra Eala will be focused on maximizing her singles result at the DC Open. She will lock horns with Zheng Qinwen in her opening match at the WTA 500 event. If she wins, the 21-year-old will face either defending champion Leylah Fernandez or Magda Linette in the second round.
Venus Williams, meanwhile, will kick off her singles campaign against Anastasia Potapova. If the seven-time Grand Slam champion overcomes Potapova, she will face her doubles partner, No. 4 seed Diana Shnaider, in the second round.
