Venus Williams calls Alex Eala her 'best partner'

MANILA, Philippines - Filipino tennis sensation Alex Eala cherished the moment she teamed up with tennis legend Venus Williams of the United States during the doubles event of the 2026 Bad Homburg Open in Germany.The 21-year-old Eala and the 46-year-old Williams paired for the first time and reached the quarterfinal round of the tournament before getting ousted. "Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that I'd have the privilege of competing alongside you on court, Venus Williams! Immensely grateful to learn from you," Eala wrote on her Instagram account.Eala and Williams bowed to Tereza Mihalikova of Slovakia and Olivia Nicholls of Great Britain, 6-3, 6-2, Thursday night.Despite the exit, Williams called Eala her "best partner.""The best ride, the best tournament. The best partner!" Williams wrote on her Instagram story.Williams and Eala defeated Alexandra Osborne and Catherine Harrison in the first round before facing the second-seeded duo of Nicholls and Mihalikova.