Venus Williams Praises Alex Eala as a ‘World Star’ After Toronto Doubles Match

Tennis legend Venus Williams expressed high admiration for her doubles partner, Filipino rising star Alex Eala, following their recent pairing at the National Bank Open in Toronto. Williams, a 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion, sought out Eala as a partner and was impressed by her qualities both on and off the court.

Williams described Eala as an incredible player and person, highlighting her well-spoken nature and impressive character. She emphasized the mutual upliftment they experienced when playing together, noting that their partnership brought out the best in each other.

Despite their campaign ending after a single match with a 6-4, 6-3 loss to Liudmila Samsonova and Miyu Kato in the round of 32, Williams reflected positively on their time on court. She recalled that they had nearly teamed up earlier in Washington, and appreciated the opportunity to compete together in Toronto. Williams acknowledged that while they played well, they fell just short in crucial moments, with their opponents capitalizing on key points.

Eala and Williams showed resilience by rallying from deficits in both sets, but Samsonova and Kato maintained control, including a six-game streak spanning the two sets that ultimately secured their victory.

For Eala, partnering with Williams represented a significant milestone and a valuable learning experience. She described the opportunity as a highlight of her career and a testament to her progress in professional tennis. Eala noted that playing alongside Williams taught her much about mental toughness and inspired her to match Williams’ energy during matches.

Looking ahead, Eala is set to continue her singles campaign at the National Bank Open, facing Caty McNally in the round of 32. Meanwhile, Williams plans to compete at the Cincinnati Masters, where she will reunite with her sister Serena Williams in doubles competition.

Williams also expressed hope that Eala might one day partner with Serena, joking that such a pairing would complete the iconic Williams sisters’ legacy. This remark underscored the respect and encouragement Williams holds for Eala’s burgeoning career and potential future collaborations.