Venus Williams makes last-minute doubles change as Roland Garros semifinalist replaces Alexandra Eala
WTASaturday, 25 July 2026 at 22:30
Venus Williams will have a new doubles partner at the DC Open after a late change altered her plans for the WTA 500 event in Washington. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion was originally set to reunite with Alexandra Eala following their encouraging first partnership on grass, but she will now compete alongside Diana Shnaider.
The change comes only weeks after Williams and Eala were announced as a team for the tournament following their quarter-final run at the Bad Homburg Open. The pair impressed during their first event together, building chemistry quickly despite having never previously played alongside each other.
Williams has continued competing throughout 2026 as she builds momentum on the WTA Tour, using both singles and doubles opportunities to test herself against current players. The 46-year-old has balanced singles appearances with doubles events during the grass and hard-court seasons as she continues her return to a consistent competitive schedule.
Eala, meanwhile, has enjoyed one of the biggest breakthroughs of her career. The 21-year-old Filipino reached the fourth round at Wimbledon, defeated former world No. 1 Iga Swiatek during her run and climbed to a career-high world No. 28 ranking.
Venus Williams joins forces with Diana Shnaider in Washington
Instead of continuing her partnership with Eala, Williams will now team up with Shnaider, who arrives in Washington after reaching the singles semi-finals at Roland Garros earlier this season.
The left-hander has proven doubles experience, winning the Olympic gold medal alongside Mirra Andreeva before forming a remarkable partnership that reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Together, they won two WTA 1000 titles and made an appearance at the WTA Finals in 2025. Shnaider reached a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 8, while in singles she climbed to No. 11 a year ago.
The Russian has quickly become one of the most exciting young players on the WTA Tour, combining powerful baseline tennis with strong doubles ability. Her style could complement Williams’ experience and net skills as the pair look to make a deep run in the American hard-court swing.
Williams remains one of the greatest doubles players in tennis history. Alongside sister Serena Williams, she won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, completed the Career Grand Slam in doubles and collected three Olympic gold medals.
The Washington doubles draw will also feature several notable partnerships. Ten-time Grand Slam doubles champion Sara Errani will compete alongside Nicole Melichar-Martinez for the second time this season, with Errani not teaming up with her usual partner Jasmine Paolini.
Other highlighted teams include Leylah Fernandez and Anna Danilina, Katie Boulter alongside Polina Kudermetova, and Sofia Kenin partnering Anastasia Potapova.
For Williams, the tournament represents another important step in her comeback journey. While her planned reunion with Eala has been postponed, the new partnership with Shnaider creates another intriguing storyline as the American legend continues testing herself on the WTA Tour.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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