Venus Williams’s comeback at the ATX Open was cut short as she lost in the first round to Alja Tomljanovic. The 45-year-old veteran, who entered the tournament with a wildcard, was defeated 4-6, 1-6 by the Australian opponent.
Despite the singles setback, Williams remains active in the doubles competition, partnering with fellow American Peyton Stearns, whom she notably defeated at the 2025 Washington Open during her return to the tour.
Venus Reflects on Potential Doubles Success with Coco Gauff
Venus Williams shared her thoughts on the possibility of teaming up again with Coco Gauff in doubles during a recent interview at the ATX Open. The two last played as a pair at the 2021 French Open, and Williams believes their combined experience could make them a strong duo going forward.
She commented,
“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.”
Williams also reflected on her approach to doubles, explaining,
“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.”
Partnership with Peyton Stearns: Aiming for a Strong Doubles Run
At the ATX Open, Venus and Peyton Stearns are set to challenge the top-seeded team of Taylor Townsend and Storm Hunter in the opening round. Williams praised her young partner’s skills and confidence on the court and expressed optimism about their chances.
She remarked,
“The tournament’s been so grateful to give us a wildcard, and I think we’re the perfect team.”
Speaking about Stearns, Williams added,
“She’s been playing some great tennis. She knows her way around the court, knows her way around the doubles court. So I think she should hopefully do most of the work. She’s younger after all! [laughing].”
Williams also noted her own preparation, saying,
“So I’ll just be looking at her like, you know. But it should be good. I’ve been actually trying to practice some doubles too, and hopefully that work on the practice court will help.”
If victorious in the first round, Venus and Stearns will face the winners between Oksana Selekhmeteva and Anastasia Zakharova or Xinyu Wang and Saisai Zheng in the subsequent match.
Recounting the 2021 French Open Doubles Match with Coco Gauff
Williams and Gauff teamed up in doubles at the 2021 French Open, two years after Gauff famously defeated Venus in the 2019 Wimbledon first round. Their opponents were the 13th seeds, Zheng Saisai and Ellen Perez.
Before the match, Gauff expressed her enthusiasm, stating,
“It’s going to be super exciting,”
and sharing,
“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 I want to win Grand Slams in singles and doubles.”
The American duo fought hard but ultimately lost a close three-set encounter, 7-6, 4-6, 3-6.
Coco Gauff’s Rapid Rise and Rivalries with Venus Williams
At just 15 years old, Coco Gauff stunned tennis fans by defeating Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon 2019, a match that quickly catapulted her into the spotlight. This breakthrough victory, unexpected by many, marked the beginning of Gauff’s ascent in professional tennis.
Gauff secured another victory over Venus seven months later at the Australian Open first round, winning 7-6, 6-3, further establishing her presence on the tour.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Venus Williams and Coco Gauff in Doubles
Venus Williams’s reflections on potentially renewing her doubles partnership with Coco Gauff signal an exciting prospect for fans. Combining Williams’s vast experience, including multiple Grand Slam titles, with Gauff’s youthful energy and rising skill, the duo could be a formidable force on the WTA doubles circuit.
As Williams continues to compete actively in doubles, sharpening her game alongside Peyton Stearns and contemplating future collaborations, her resilience and passion remain evident. Fans will be eager to see whether a Venus Williams and Coco Gauff doubles team will emerge in the near future, possibly making a significant impact in the 2026 season and beyond.
