Earlier this week, Katie Boulter was the latest player gifted the fortune of being able to play doubles with Venus Williams.
For many, this would be a career highlight, taking to the court with one of tennis’ greatest and most iconic players of all time.
However, Boulter’s experience was made even better by the fact that they actually won, overcoming the all-Chinese pairing of Jiang Xinyu and Xu Yifan in Madrid.
And yet, despite the enjoyment that will have come from reaching the Round of 16 of the doubles format, it is what Venus Williams said straight after the result that will have the Brit truly glowing.
Venus Williams compares Katie Boulter to Serena Williams
Chatting with Sky Sports whilst still on court, Venus began by laughing with her partner about their performance.
“It was really exciting,” she began. “We’d never played before, and you asked me to play, right? Yeah, okay. I was wondering if it was you or your coach! I was hoping it was you, so, it was really nice to say yes, and it was meant to be. It was so much fun.”
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Katie Boulter then chimed in, unsurprisingly reserving some huge praise for the American: “Yeah, it was so fun.
“I mean, obviously, everyone came out here for an absolute icon, so I mean, of course, they’re gonna make some noise, but yeah, it was a privilege to be on court and obviously playing with you as well, it was so much fun.”
“Oh, I mean, I think I had nerves coming in this morning, to be honest with you.
“But then actually, like, during the warm-up you calmed me down, I was like, I’m fine, I’m good, I’m good.
“But of course, yeah, I mean, I felt a little bit of pressure, but, I mean, it’s a lot of fun just to go out there and swing and enjoy it as well. I’m so happy we got the win.”
Venus then talked about how well matched she and Boulter felt, before showering the 29-year-old with some legendary praise of her own: “Katie has great energy. I don’t think anyone, I don’t even know if Serena matches this energy!
“I think our energy is just really matched, and we just kept each other up. It was like the best experience.”
It’s ironic that she should mention her sister whilst we are still awaiting an update on whether and when Serena Williams might return to tennis this year.
All of Venus Williams’ doubles partners in 2026
Boulter is not the first doubles partner that Venus has enlisted in 2026, and she will definitely not be the last.
After all, having decided to become more active on tour again despite being 45 years of age, many WTA stars will be rushing for the opportunity to share the court with her in any possible capacity, should this truly be her final run before retirement.
It’s the end of the 2026 season… How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the comments👇
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion started the year by playing with Ekaterina Alexandrova at the Australian Open, before joining forces with Peyton Stearns at the ATX Open. Both events resulted in first-round exits.
Indian Wells and Miami proved no different, partnering Christian Harrison and Leylah Fernandez respectively, meaning Venus was without a singles or doubles win in 2026.
That has all changed with Boulter, and they will hope to maintain such form as they play again tomorrow.
