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Venus Williams begins 2026 season with blockbuster doubles matchup

Originally posted on HITC | By Liam McMillen | Last updated Jan 4, 2026 6:26 AM ET

Venus Williams is set to compete in the doubles at the ASB Classic, alongside her singles appearance in Auckland.

After receiving a wild card entry into the tournament, Venus was also granted a spot in the 2026 Australian Open, marking her return to Grand Slam tennis. She had made a handful of appearances throughout 2025, including a notable comeback at the US Open.

Her doubles partner has now been confirmed, and they’ll be facing Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic in the opening round of the tournament.

Venus Williams ready for generational clash with Alexandra Eala

Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images

Williams will team up with Elina Svitolina at the ASB Classic, marking the first time they have played doubles together.

Svitolina, a former world number three, reached three Grand Slam semi-finals between 2019 and 2023.

Since the 2025 US Open, she has only played in one tournament, but she is set to return at the ASB Classic in both singles and doubles.

The pair are scheduled to face off against Eala and Jovic, two emerging talents who made significant progress last season.

Eala reached her first WTA final in Eastbourne and broke into the top 50, while Jovic won her maiden title in Guadalajara. Combined, they are just 38 years old – seven years younger than Williams alone.

Singles matchups set for Venus Williams and Alexandra Eala

The ASB Classic draw is out, and Williams, Eala, Jovic, and Svitolina now know who they’ll be up against in the opening round.

Svitolina enters the tournament as the top seed and will open her campaign against world No. 75 Varvara Gracheva.

Williams faces a tough start herself, taking on former Australian Open semi-finalist Magda Linette.

Eala also has a challenging opener against former top-20 player Donna Vekic. Jovic is seeded third and will begin her run against a qualifier who has yet to be announced.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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