Venus Williams Teams Up with Peyton Stearns at ATX Open

The unexpected doubles pairing highlights a new chapter in Venus Williams' competitive tennis journey.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Venus Williams will compete in doubles at the ATX Open in Austin, partnering with American player Peyton Stearns. This collaboration marks a fresh direction for Williams, as speculation about a potential Serena Williams return has been quelled. The blend of Venus's experience and Stearns's emerging talent is anticipated to be one of the tournament's most compelling stories.

Why it matters

Venus Williams' continued presence in competitive tennis, despite her advancing age and recent struggles, underscores her enduring passion for the sport. This new partnership with Peyton Stearns provides an opportunity for the legendary player to mentor a rising American talent while also offering Stearns valuable experience playing alongside an icon of the game.

The details

Williams and Stearns received a wildcard entry into the doubles draw at the ATX Open, highlighting the tournament's interest in this unexpected collaboration. Their previous encounter in singles saw Venus secure a victory over Stearns at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington last year, marking her first singles win since 2023.

  • The ATX Open is scheduled to take place from February 21 to February 27, 2026.
  • Venus Williams and Peyton Stearns will compete in the doubles event at the tournament.

The players

Venus Williams

A legendary tennis player with seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, Venus Williams continues to compete at the highest level despite her advancing age and recent struggles.

Peyton Stearns

An up-and-coming American tennis player who is currently ranked 555th in the world. Stearns will have the opportunity to develop her skills and gain valuable experience by partnering with the experienced Venus Williams.

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What’s next

The ATX Open doubles event, featuring the partnership of Venus Williams and Peyton Stearns, is scheduled to take place from February 21 to February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

Venus Williams' continued commitment to competitive tennis, even at this stage of her career, is a testament to her passion for the sport. This unexpected doubles pairing with Peyton Stearns not only highlights Williams' enduring influence but also provides a platform for a rising American talent to learn from one of the game's all-time greats.