By MARK REY MONTEJO
American legend Venus Williams knew a star when she saw one and that includes her doubles partner, Alex Eala.
The 46-year-old Williams expressed her admiration for Eala, even calling the Filipina ace a “star,” moments after their 4-6, 3-6 loss to Japan’s Miyu Kato and Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova in the opening round of the WTA 1000 National Bank Open doubles event in Toronto, Canada, Friday, Aug. 7 (Philippine time).
Venus, who owns a glittering collection of 23 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, shared her thoughts on how Eala has brought added spotlight to tennis, particularly after the world No. 20 consistently packed venues throughout her matches.
“Yeah, it was amazing to play under the light. I think we both thrive in pressure situations and you know, Alex is a world star. She’s just incredible,” said Venus in the post-match press conference.
“And besides the fact of her tennis, she’s an incredible person, well-spoken, and just an impressive young lady. So, I like being around those kinds of things, so I think we both lift each other up,” she added.
Ahead of their much-anticipated return as partners in the Cincinnati Open doubles tournament, Venus jokingly suggested that Alex might want to add her younger sister Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, to her list of potential doubles partners.
“I think Alex has got to put on her list to play with Serena one day,” said Venus as both of them burst into laughter. “Then she can complete the William Sisters.”
But for Eala, it was “super inspiring” to get a rare opportunity to PLAY alongside former No. 1 Venus – twice – and also saw Serena play in flesh during Wimbledon. She also heaped praises to the decorated siblings who, according to her, lifted as well the women in sports.
“No, for me it’s super inspiring, you know, the things that the Williams sisters have done for tennis is incredible and they just keep doing it, and keep helping us, especially the women in sports,” said Eala.
“I remember when Serena came back to Wimbledon, I also went to watch her game from the stands… so, just to be able to experience it live and from a closer vicinity than I did when I was younger, it’s a great pleasure for me,” she added.
