Serena and Venus Williams have received a wildcard into the Cincinnati Open, where they will reunite on the doubles court. However, Venus has already floated a new partner for her younger sister: Alex Eala.
Wildcard for Cincinnati
The Williams sisters were expected to play together at Wimbledon last month but withdrew when Serena suffered a knee injury during her singles match. Cincinnati will mark Serena's first tournament since that injury and her first hard-court event since returning to tennis this year at Queen's, after retiring at the 2022 US Open.
Venus's new partner
Venus has already begun her North American hard-court season, teaming up with Diana Shnaider in Washington and then with Alex Eala, with whom she played earlier this year in Bad Homburg. Eala, 21, has impressed recently, winning her first WTA Tour title in Washington and competing in Toronto.
Despite an early exit in Toronto with Venus, Eala made a strong impression on her partner. Venus said: “Yeah, I think Alex has got to put on her list to play with Serena one day. Then she can complete the Williams sisters.” Eala replied: “Oh my god.”
Looking ahead to the reunion
Venus also spoke about the upcoming reunion with Serena, saying: “We were really looking forward, I think the whole world was looking forward to Wimbledon, and it just didn't end up the way we had hoped. So, hopefully we can get on the court and get back into the swing of things and pick up right where we left off.”
Venus praised Eala, calling her “a world star” and “an incredible person, well spoken, and just an impressive young lady.” Eala expressed her admiration for the Williams sisters, noting she watched Serena's return at Wimbledon from the stands.
