Playing their first match together as a doubles team, Venus Williams and Diana Shnaider cleared their opening hurdle at the Mubadala DC Open, defeating Ulrikke Eikeri and Quinn Gleason 6-3 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals of women’s doubles at the WTA 500 tournament.
💃 Dazzling Doubles 💃@Venuseswilliams and Diana Shnaider pick up the win in their first match together as a team!#MubadalaDCOpen pic.twitter.com/3RVLEs6rQ0
— Mubadala DC Open (@mubadaladcopen) July 27, 2026
The 46-year-old Williams was originally scheduled to play doubles at the Mubadala DC Open with Alexandra Eala, but the Filipina unexpectedly opted out in order to focus on singles, explaining that she is currently unable to give her full physical, emotional and mental commitment to competing in both disciplines.
GSM Williams/Shnaider!
Venus & Diana are into the QFs of DC taking down Eikeri/Gleason 6-3, 6-4.
Venus would face USO doubles partner Leylah Fernandez next if the Canadian and her partner Anna Danilina win their opening match. pic.twitter.com/fANpVeG80I
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) July 27, 2026
Monday’s victory marked Williams’ third doubles win of the 2026 season, with her previous two coming in partnerships with Eala and Katie Boulter. Her next opponents in Washington could include her US Open doubles partner Leylah Fernandez, if the Canadian and Anna Danilina advance through their opening-round match.
Williams is still searching for her first singles victory of 2026. Her Tuesday clash with Anastasia Potapova will be her ninth attempt to finally secure a singles win this season.
