Alex Eala, Venus Williams no longer teaming up for doubles at DC Open
Alex Eala and Venus Williams are no longer teaming up for the Mubadala DC Open.
This comes after the 21-year-old Filipina dropped out of the women's doubles draw. Williams, meanwhile, was re-paired with Russian player Diana Shnaider.
Eala has yet to explain the decision, but Williams, 46, gave her thoughts on the matter.
"We had a great time playing at Bad Homburg so we were looking forward to playing again," the former world no. 1 said at a pre-tournament press conference.
"Didn't work out this time. Would love for there to be future times. We'll see what happens."
The two were previously seen practicing together on July 25.
Despite withdrawing from doubles, Eala will still play in the women's singles. She's set to face China's Zheng Qinwen in the first round.
Eala and Williams reached the quarterfinal of the Homburg Open, exiting when they were ousted by Slovakia's Tereza Mihalikova and Great Britain's Olivia Nicholls.
Eala last played at Wimbledon earlier in July, making history as the first Filipino to reach the Round of 16 in the British tournament.
During her campaign, she bested Mexico's Renata Zarazúa, Australia's Maya Joint, and 2025 defending champion, Poland's Iga Swiatek. Her historic stint was ended by Italy's Jasmine Paolini.
Williams is an American tennis icon who has forged a legacy as one of the greatest women's players in history. She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles—two US Opens, five Wimbledons—and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Serena Williams.
She returned to tennis in July 2025 after a 16-month absence from the sport.