Venus Williams delivered a lighthearted message to Serena Williams before joining forces with Elina Svitolina, expressing hope that her younger sister “would not be jealous”.
It was confirmed in December that the American seven-time Grand Slam champion will start her 2026 campaign in Auckland.
The Auckland doubles draw released over the weekend confirmed that the 45-year-old will also play doubles, partnering 31-year-old Elina Svitolina for the first time in her career.
Williams and Svitolina made their debut as a doubles pair on Monday. Despite a strong performance that saw them earn eight set points in the first set against Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic, the veteran duo went down in straight sets, with the young pair claiming a 7-6(7), 6-1 win.
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Venus mentioned Serena before her doubles match with Elina Svitolina
“I am playing doubles with Elina Svitolina, But we have always been opponents. Now we are on the same team. I hope Serena won’t be jealous. If there’s one thing she is going to do. she is going to compete. So neither of we both us play doubles every day and I think we both bring our singles game together and make it easily work.
Elina Svitolina said about Williams,
“It is great to share a court with her and you know to play with such a legend. It is a big privilege for me and I will try to do my best tomorrow [Monday]. Need to give my very best for the win.
Meanwhile, rumors of a possible Serena Williams return have circulated after the 44-year-old was reinstated into the ITIA’s doping testing pool.
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