Katie Boulter described playing alongside Venus Williams as a "privilege" after the British player teamed up with the seven-time Grand Slam champion to reach the second round of the women's doubles at the Madrid Open. The unseeded pair defeated China's Jiang Xinyu and and Xu Yifan 4-6 6-3 10-7 in their first tournament together.

Williams, 45, is currently on an 11-match losing streak in singles competition, with her last doubles victory coming at the US Open in September. Boulter only approached Williams about partnering earlier this week and admitted to feeling nervous before stepping onto the court. "Everyone came out here for an absolute icon," Boulter said. Williams returned the compliment, telling Boulter she had great energy—adding she wasn't sure even Serena possessed it.

The Anglo-American pairing will now take on Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei and American Sofia Kenin in round two. Boulter was knocked out of the singles draw on Friday, making this doubles run a welcome boost as she continues her clay-court season in Madrid.