US EditionHow chance chat led to big change of plans for Venus Williams at ASB Classic
Venus Williams accepted a last-minute doubles request at the ASB Classic, pairing with Elina Svitolina despite not playing doubles since 2021, officials said.
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8 Articles
Alex Eala thrilled to open 2026 with doubles win vs 'pioneers' Venus Williams, Elina Svitolina
MANILA, Philippines – Alex Eala could not have started the year any better as she battled — and got a win — over two tennis legends. Eala and partner Iva Jovic opened their women’s doubles campaign in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, with a 7-6 (7), 6-1 win over Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina on Monday, January 5. The young duo of 20-year-old Eala and 18-year-old Jovic recovered from a 5-6 deficit in the first set and pulled throu…
Venus Williams’ Auckland Return Comes With a Warning: “I Know I Can Play Well”
Venus Williams made a selective return in 2025 after a 16-month absence, appearing at the US Open and Washington Open. Now 45, she is back in New Zealand for her seventh ASB Classic. Entering her 33rd consecutive WTA season since debuting in 1994, Williams says the confidence remains intact, promising the same high-voltage tennis that has defined her enduring career. Speaking on Sunday, Venus Williams said returning to Auckland felt familiar and…
Ukraine's No. 1, Elina Svitolina, began the 2026 season by competing in doubles at the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland. Her return to this format after a lengthy hiatus ended in defeat at the very start of the competition, according to RBC-Ukraine, citing the match's outcome. Return to Doubles Tennis After a Break The match in New Zealand was Svitolina's first official doubles match in over four years. The Ukrainian last played this format at the…
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