“ALEX EALA IS NOT WEAK — SHE’S EVOLVING.” With those words, Venus Williams shut down critics who dared to dismiss the generation rising alongside Alex Eala. At 44, the icon didn’t just defend the present — she anointed the future. As the Australian Open 2026 looms, Venus framed the moment as a rare collision of eras: legends who built the sport, and fearless young stars ready to inherit it. Eala, just 20, may still call herself a student — but when a seven-time Grand Slam champion publicly backs you, the message is unmistakable. This isn’t decline. It’s a handover.

And the tennis world may be witnessing the most brutal, beautiful generational shift yet.Venus Williams is gearing up for her second tournament of the 2026 season, having only featured in three events in 2025.

It marks the start of what many will hope to be a long campaign of regular appearances for the American tennis legend, who continues to defy biology with her presence on the WTA Tour.

What’s even more impressive about her longevity is how capable she remains when facing top players, suggesting that some huge results could be on the cards for her in the coming months.

However, her ability to easily slot back in and be a threat has drawn some questions about the standard of the women’s game compared to how it might have looked during her prime years.

Venus Williams asked if this would be her last-ever Australian Open appearance

Speaking to the press at the Hobart International, Venus Williams began by outlining her excitement at the upcoming event.

And, she also expressed her gratitude for being afforded a spot in the draw after her early exits in the singles and doubles at the ASB Classic.

I agree 10000% with you. Why so many stupid comment say equal pay equal play. Women should play less than men but get equal pay. Because they attract a lot of fan and give entertainment to pervert men eyes too. So yes equal pay but less play than men.

If they can fight for equality in pay in grand slam, it should not have even happened that they are allowed to play best of three sets. With equal pay like in the last US open, the debate really should be a males and females unified championship. Anything else is a scam.

The 44-year-old claimed: “Playing in Hobart feels like great preparation, and hopefully it sets me up well going into the Australian Open.

“The level of women’s tennis is incredibly high right now. Everyone is so competitive. I still feel like a student of the game. I’m always learning and trying to evolve.”

Then asked if the upcoming Australian Open could be her last appearance at a Grand Slam, Williams replied: “Right now, I’m focused on the moment. I feel strong, healthy, and ready.”

Venus Williams will face Tatjana Maria in the Hobart International to get the tournament underway.

Venus Williams has proven she can still compete at the top of the women’s game

As noted earlier, Williams has already proven her ability to seamlessly return to the sport after lengthy periods out.

After all, she shocked the world by returning to action in Washington, knocking out Peyton Stearns in the singles and reaching the quarter-finals of the doubles event with Zhang Shuai.

Even at the US Open, where she drew Karolina Muchova in the very first round, it took three sets for the 11th seed to see her off as she put in an inspired performance on home soil.

If she can put together a steady stream of matches across the next few months, it will be really interesting to see just how high her level can go. “ALEX EALA IS NOT WEAK — SHE’S EVOLVING.” With those words, Venus Williams shut down critics who dared to dismiss the generation rising alongside Alex Eala. At 44, the icon didn’t just defend the present — she anointed the future. As the Australian Open 2026 looms, Venus framed the moment as a rare collision of eras: legends who built the sport, and fearless young stars ready to inherit it.

Eala, just 20, may still call herself a student — but when a seven-time Grand Slam champion publicly backs you, the message is unmistakable. This isn’t decline. It’s a handover. And the tennis world may be witnessing the most brutal, beautiful generational shift yet.“ALEX EALA IS NOT WEAK — SHE’S EVOLVING.” With those words, Venus Williams shut down critics who dared to dismiss the generation rising alongside Alex Eala. At 44, the icon didn’t just defend the present — she anointed the future.

As the Australian Open 2026 looms, Venus framed the moment as a rare collision of eras: legends who built the sport, and fearless young stars ready to inherit it. Eala, just 20, may still call herself a student — but when a seven-time Grand Slam champion publicly backs you, the message is unmistakable. This isn’t decline. It’s a handover. And the tennis world may be witnessing the most brutal, beautiful generational shift yet.