Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina, defeated in Auckland after wasting 7 set points, but praised by opponents: “Pioneers of this sport”
Article by David Istrate – Published Monday, 05 January 2026, 10:03 / Updated on Monday, 05 January 2026 10:05
At the age of 45, Venus Williams (582 WTA) received a wild card to participate in the tournament in Auckland and prepared a surprise for the fans: a partnership with another veteran, Elina Svitolina (31 years, 13 WTA). The two came close to winning the first set against young Alexandra Eala (20, 53 WTA) and Iva Jovic (18, 53 WTA), but wasted 7 set points and lost 7-6 (7), 6-1, being eliminated in the first round.
Venus Williams received a wild card for the Australian Openthe first Grand Slam tournament of the year, and before the Melbourne competition he warms up in New Zealand in Auckland, where he plays both singles and doubles.
76-38, the duel of the cumulative ages of the two pairs, Williams/Svitolina and Eala/Jovic
During this morning, the former world leader entered the court alongside the Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, the cumulative age being 76 years old. On the other side of the net, there were a 20-year-old and an 18-year-old player, so a cumulative age of only 38 years old.
The first set was controlled by Williams and Svitolina, who led 5-3, coming close to winning the sequence on several occasions. However, Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic saved 7 set points, 3 at 4-5, two at 5-6 and two more in the tie-break.
Then, the opponents of the experienced tennis players capitalized on the first set point they had and took the initiative. In the second sequence, Williams and Svitolina could not keep up, and Eala and Jovic prevailed 7-6 (7), 6-1.
Alexandra Eala, about Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina: “I've admired them since I was little”
At the end of the game, Eala gave a nice speech to her doubles opponents.
“Happy New Year everyone! Thank you for supporting me and Iva, I felt so good on the court,” the athlete from the Philippines began.
“I think we had fun. (It was great) to start the year with a moment like this: to be on the field with two pioneers of this sport, pioneers off the field, people I've admired since I was little. I am very happy that I could share this moment with you (no addressed to Iva Jovic) and with all of you“, concluded Eala.
In the next round, they will play either main favorites Asia Muhammad (USA, 34)/Erin Routliffe (New Zealand, 30) or Jesika Maleckova (Czech Republic, 31)/Renata Zarazua (Mexico, 28).
Alexandra Eala (left) and Iva Jovic (right), triumphant in the inaugural round in Auckland/Photo: Getty Images
Who will the 4 players face in the singles competition in Auckland
All 4 players from the doubles match are also competing in the singles competition. few Jovic has already made his debutpassing in the inaugural round the Czech Gabriela Knutson (28 years old, 182 WTA), score 4-6, 6-1, 6-0.
She will also face a Czech in the next round, Sara Bejlek (19 years old, 93 WTA), who won 7-5, 6-1 against Hungarian Panna Udvardy (27 years old, 87 WTA). Alexandra Ealaher doubles partner, will play in the inaugural round with Croatian Donna Vekic (29 years old, 69 WTA).
On the other side, Elina Svitolina will meet the French Varvara Gracheva (25 years old, 75 WTA), while Venus Williams will fight against the Polish Magda Linette (33 years old, 52 WTA).
