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Coco Gauff, Venus Williams lose in doubles debut at French Open

First time Williams has played Grand Slam doubles match with anyone besides sister
Coco Gauff and Venus Williams doubles partners at French Open, June 2, 2021
Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Michel Euler/AP
Venus Williams, left, with doubles partner Coco Gauff prepare to play against Ellen Perez of Australia and Saisai Zheng of China in a first-round women's doubles match at the French Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Roland Garros in Paris.
Coco Gauff and Venus Williams doubles partners at French Open, June 2, 2021
Posted at 11:20 AM, Jun 02, 2021
and last updated 2021-06-02 11:20:39-04

PARIS — The new doubles partnership of Venus Williams and Coco Gauff didn't go very far at the French Open.

Williams, 40, and Gauff, 17, lost to 13th-seeded Ellen Perez and Zheng Saisai 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-3 in the first round.

Venus Williams and Coco Gauff bump fists during French Open doubles appearance, June 2, 2021
Venus Williams, left, with doubles partner Coco Gauff bump fists after winning a point against Ellen Perez of Australia and Saisai Zheng of China in a first-round women's doubles match at the French Open tennis tournament, Wednesday, June 2, 2021, at Roland Garros in Paris.

It marked the first time that Williams had played a Grand Slam doubles match with anyone but her sister.

She and Serena Williams have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.

Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.