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With Serena Williams becoming eligible to compete on the WTA Tour from February 22, speculation has swirled that the ATX Open in Austin, Texas could mark her return, potentially alongside sister Venus Williams in doubles. That talk, however, has now been put to rest. The WTA 250 tournament has revealed Venus’ doubles partner—and it is not Serena.
The 45-year-old Venus will make her ATX Open debut, teaming up with fellow American Peyton Stearns in doubles. It will mark the first partnership between the two, who have received a wildcard into the draw.
Williams and Stearns have crossed paths before, with Williams beating Stearns at last year’s Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington for her first singles win since 2023. The tennis legend has not recorded a singles win since then.
Venus is no stranger to doubles success, having captured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her younger sister Serena. Stearns will become Venus’ 13th women’s doubles partner outside of her sister. As for Serena, it remains unclear whether she intends to return to competition and whether the iconic siblings will ever share the court again as a team.
Venus most recently competed at the Australian Open in January, where she fell in the first round, 28 years after first appearing in Melbourne as a 17-year-old.
Marija Zivlak is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women’s Tennis Blog, a trusted source for in-depth coverage of the WTA Tour, tennis fashion, and player insights. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, she has been reporting on women’s tennis for over 18 years and has contributed exclusive fashion articles to the official WTA website.
Marija launched Women’s Tennis Blog on March 31, 2007 to provide fans with accurate, engaging, and up-to-date tennis news. Her expertise and deep connections within the sport allow her to offer unique perspectives on tennis trends, gear, and events.
