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Venus Williams praises 'world star' Alex Eala: 'She's just incredible' Venus Williams had nothing but praise for Alex Eala following their second doubles partnership on the WTA Tour. Eala and Williams bowed out of the Canadian Open doubles tournament after falling to Liudmila Samsonova and Miyu Kato, 6-4, 6-3, in the Round of 32 on Thursday (Friday, Philippine time). The tournament marked their second outing together after teaming up at the Bad Homburg Open in June. Speaking after the match, Williams described the 21-year-old Filipina as a "world star." "Yeah, it was amazing to play under the lights. I think we both thrive in pressure situations," Williams said about the match. "And, you know, Alex is a world star. She's just incredible." "Besides the fact of her tennis, she's an incredible person, well-spoken and just an impressive young lady. So I like being around those kinds of things. So I think we both lift each other up," she added. Williams also believes their chemistry will continue to improve the more they play together. "I think [we] have the same intent to just go after it. So we match that energy there, and I think with more opportunities to practice and play matches together, we'll really sync. So it's just very early now, so we're still getting the hang of it. But I love seeing those shots fly past me when I'm at the net. I'm like, 'Come on!'" Williams said. For her part, Eala said playing alongside the tennis icon has been a valuable learning experience. "I think when I'm on court with Venus, there's a lot I can learn about mentality, and I guess when I'm on court with her, it also pushes me to kind of match her energy," the Filipina ace said. "And so, of course, when you're on court with someone who plays like her, you want to kind of give it your all, and I think I did my best today. Like she said, I think we fell short, but we had some great points." Eala now shifts her focus to the Canadian Open singles tournament, where she will take on American Caty McNally in the Round of 32. —JKC, GMA News