Alex Eala and Venus Williams Bow Out of Toronto Open Doubles

Photo: WTA

TORONTO, Canada — The wild card duo of Alex Eala and Venus Williams fell in the first round of the women's doubles at the National Bank Open on 6 August 2026.

The Filipino-American pair were defeated in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3, by the tandem of Liudmila Samsonova and Miyu Kato on Centre Court at Sobeys Stadium.

Samsonova and Kato broke early in the opening set to build a lead, though Eala and Williams fought back to level the set at 4-4. However, Samsonova and Kato secured a decisive late break to capture the first set in 38 minutes. In the second set, the Japanese-Russian pair established a 4-0 advantage. Despite Eala and Williams winning three of the next four games to narrow the margin, Samsonova and Kato closed out the match in one hour and 28 minutes.

Statistically, Eala and Williams converted 3 of their 5 break point opportunities and won 56 per cent of their first-serve points, whilst committing five double faults.

With their doubles campaign concluded, Eala shifts her focus back to the singles draw, where she faces American Caty McNally in the third round.