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Venus Williams opens up on Coco Gauff reunion

Originally posted on HITC | By Max Kilham | Last updated Feb 25, 2026 11:25 AM ET

Venus Williams’s return to the ATX Open ended in a straight-sets defeat to Alja Tomljanovic in the first round.

The 45-year-old, handed a wildcard entry into the tournament, went down 4-6, 1-6 to her Australian opponent.

Williams, a five-time Wimbledon singles champion, is also set to play doubles at the event. She will partner with Peyton Stearns, whom she beat on her Tour return earlier this year at the Washington Open.

This isn’t Venus’s first time teaming up with an American. Back in 2021, she played doubles alongside Coco Gauff, who was already a two-time Grand Slam champion at that point.

“I have no idea,” said Venus when asked how she thought they’d perform now. “I think it would be amazing though if we could ever do it.”

Venus Williams believes a doubles team with Coco Gauff would ‘probably play well’

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When asked if she has any young players in mind for potential doubles partnerships, Venus said: “I mean, I had the chance to play with Coco years ago now, but I think if we played again, I’m sure we both have more experience, she has more experience, so we’d probably play well.

“I don’t know. I hadn’t thought about who I would play with. It’s just when I get to a tournament, it’s like ‘okay, who could I play with?

“But I don’t always play doubles, but I’ve played a lot more recently. I need the matches and every match helps. Even if it’s not a win the match helps me a lot.”

The American duo will go up against top seeds Taylor Townsend and Storm Hunter in their opening match.

Praising her new partner, Venus added: “The tournament’s been so grateful to give us a wildcard and I think we’re the perfect team.”

“She’s [Stearns] been playing some great tennis. She knows her way around the court and knows her way around the doubles court.

Coco Gauff and Venus Williams first played together at Roland-Garros 2021

Their partnership came nearly two years after Gauff famously defeated Venus as a 15-year-old at Wimbledon in 2019.

Before their debut match together, Gauff told ESPN: “It’s going to be super exciting. For me, I love playing doubles and hopefully, I can pick up some things from her. She obviously has so many Grand Slams in doubles and singles and doubles.”

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

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