Chanda Rubin thinks she knows the reason why Venus Williams has chosen to play doubles with Alexandra Eala over her younger sister, Serena.
Venus was unable to play doubles at Roland Garros this year, after her partner Hailey Baptiste suffered ACL and meniscus injuries and was unable to take to the court.
After missing the clay court major, Venus has turned her attention to the grass court season, where Serena is reported to be making a shock comeback after retiring from tennis four years ago.
Despite winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, Venus is actually reported to be playing with Eala instead of Serena at an upcoming tournament.
Venus Williams and Alexandra Eala to play doubles together in Bad Homburg
Both Venus and Eala have received wildcards to play singles at the Bad Homburg Open, and now they are also expected to play doubles together at the WTA 500 tournament.
Serena is expected to play doubles with Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club Championships, but they could still play together at Wimbledon.
Who would you like to see Serena Williams play doubles with if she returns?
When reacting to the news that Venus and Eala are set to play doubles together, former top 10 player Rubin explained that their combined popularity will enable them to sell many tickets.
Rubin also suggested that 21-year-old Eala may also have been picked by 45-year-old Venus to have someone younger to cover the court better.
“They can still sell so many tickets, in terms of Venus and Serena and Eala is one of the most popular players around the globe,” Rubin said on Tennis Channel. “A lot of it comes down to that, but they are also legends with the Williams sisters, so they should be able to get anywhere.”
Arias added, “Why aren’t the Williams sisters playing with each other? They were a pretty good doubles team.”
Rubin then responded, “Well, somebody has got to run for the balls! I can understand it. At this stage you are trying to get some doubles in and why not try with somebody new?”
What happened when Venus Williams played doubles against Alexandra Eala?
This will be the first time that Venus Williams and Eala play doubles together, but they have actually played a match against each other.
Eala, who was partnered by Iva Jovic, played against the team of Williams and Elina Svitolina at the ASB Classic in Auckland earlier this year.
It was the younger duo of Eala and Jovic who came out on top, beating the pairing of Williams and Svitolina 7-6(7), 6-1.
What is the best win of Alexandra Eala’s career so far? 🤔
Iga Swiatek in Miami, Clara Tauson at the US Open, Jasmine Paolini in Dubai, or a different match?
Eala and Williams are set to be on the same side of the court in Bad Homburg, where the tournament begins on June 21.
Before she plays on the grass in Germany, Eala will begin her preparations this week at the WTA 125 tournament in Birmingham.
