Venus Williams’ doubles reunion with Alexandra Eala failed to materialize at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open. The latter pulled out of the category just days before the first match, leaving the American legend searching for a new partner.
Williams ultimately entered the draw alongside 2024 Paris Olympics women’s doubles silver medalist Diana Shnaider, and the pair made a winning start to their campaign.
Andy Roddick Shares His Thoughts on Alexandra Eala and Venus Williams’ Canceled Stint
Williams accepted singles and doubles wildcards at the ongoing WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C., choosing to renew her partnership with rising Filipino star Eala. The pair previously competed at the Bad Homburg Open in June, winning one match before their quarterfinal loss. It was Williams’ sixth women’s doubles appearance of the season.
She was also scheduled to compete alongside Hailey Baptiste at the French Open and sister Serena Williams at Wimbledon, but her partners’ injuries led to both pairings pulling out. Speaking about the 46-year-old’s campaigns on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast, the former US Open champion said, “Venus has had a rough go with doubles. I guess she’s trying to get a little momentum.”
“It’s just been a little bit of a hit or miss with Baptiste at Roland-Garros, with Serena at Wimbledon, and now Eala,” Roddick said.
After pulling out of doubles, Eala explained, “Venus is someone who deserves a partner who can give their all physically, emotionally, mentally when they’re on court with her. I don’t have the capacity yet to be able to give that in both singles and doubles.”
Roddick supported the 21-year-old’s decision while looking ahead to her objectives during the North American swing. “If I was a young player, I would be submitting my resume to play with Venus as long as she’s out there. I just think that would be so cool. So, I’m happy Eala already got to do it.”
“But irrespective of if it’s Venus or someone else, you still have to be responsible to your body. And the goal of the summer is to make runs at these tournaments, and I don’t think Eala’s at the point where she’s prioritizing doubles over singles. So it makes sense,” he said about the World No. 28, who is on the hunt for her career’s first Tour-level title.
While discussing Williams’ new partnership with Shnaider, he said, “Shnaider is a hell of a… you don’t even want to call her a replacement because she’s one of the best doubles players in the world.”
The pair won their first match 6-3, 6-4 against Quinn Gleason and Ulrikke Eikeri. They await the winner of Leylah Fernandez and Anna Danilina vs. Xu Yifan and Tang Qianhui. In singles, Venus Williams begins her campaign against Anastasia Potapova on Tuesday, July 28. Alexandra Eala, meanwhile, opens her journey against Zheng Qinwen.
