HIGHLY anticipated pairing Alex Eala and Venus Williams will have to take a break again, as the two lost to Miyu Kato and Liudmila Samsonova, 4-6, 3-6, to end their 2026 National Bank Open campaign early on Friday morning (Manila time).
The American former world No. 1 and the Filipina current No. 20 were handed a wildcard entry to the event, where Eala also sees action in women’s singles.
It was the second time they partnered for doubles play following a quarterfinal stint in Bad Homburg last June.
They were supposed to see action in DC, as well but eventually begged off.
In the match, the Japanese-Russian pair broke away from 4-4 to win four straight games, taking the opening set and gaining control of the match, as they opened the second with a 3-0 lead.
READ: PH flags fly high as 'Eala-mania' takes over Toronto
This ends the journey of Eala and the U.S. icon, but the pride of the Philippines is still alive in the singles draw, playing Caty McNally in the round of 32 on Saturday morning.
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