Katie Boulter says her inner child will be “screaming” when she takes to the court with Venus Williams at the Madrid Open this week. The British No. 3 will link up with the seven-time Grand Slam champion in the women’s doubles event after her coach asked Williams’ team if she would be happy to partner up, and got the green light from the former world No. 1.

Williams has already praised Boulter’s energy and attitude on the court, and the Brit was left speechless when asked how she felt about teaming up with the tennis legend. “I’m so excited. I mean, what an opportunity for me to play with an absolute icon,” Boulter said after getting a win in singles.

“I mean, she’s… I haven’t even got words for her. I really don’t. She’s still out here playing, and so inspiring for people like me, especially having watched her growing up. So yeah, I think the little girl who watched her on the TV is the kid who is gonna be screaming on that tennis court.

“I’m gonna enjoy every minute of it. I can’t wait to get out there and just have fun on the doubles court, because I feel like a lot of the time I do just try and enjoy my doubles, and especially with her, it’s an honour to play with her.”

The world No. 61 is also keen to use their doubles partnership as an opportunity to get to know the five-time Wimbledon champion better. “We’ve practised, I think, once or twice. She seems lovely. I mean, I wouldn’t say I’ve been to many dinners with her!” Boulter laughed.

“Obviously, I’ve watched over the many years she’s been around. As an acquaintance, I’d say hi, but yeah, I don’t know her that well. So I think it’s gonna be a really nice chance to get to know her even more. I obviously played against her sister. I have spoken a little bit to her, but I would love to get to know her a bit more.”

It was Boulter’s coach, Michael Joyce, who initiated their doubles link-up, and the Brit was left nervously waiting to see whether Williams would accept their request. She continued: “I was talking to my coach about playing doubles this week, and he actually happened to be talking to her coach at the same time. So he was like, ‘Why don’t we just ask?’

“So it ended up that he sent him a message, asked him, and, yeah, just so happens that it ended up that we’re playing. So, again, I’m thrilled. I’m very excited. Of course [I was nervous], I put myself out there and, again, with someone like that, you kind of hope that they’ll say yes, but you just never know, and I’m very excited that she did say yes, and I think it’s gonna be a lot of fun.”

Williams is also excited about their team debut on the doubles court. “She’s got great energy. She’s got a great attitude. She’s a fighter. I’m looking forward to playing with her because I think our energies will really match,” the American said.

Williams is competing on the clay for the first time in five years. But she lost her first match back on the surface, suffering a 6-2 6-4 defeat to Kaitlin Quevedo in the singles event here. Meanwhile, Boulter has already gotten off to a winning start at the Caja Magica, beating Taylor Townsend 6-4 6-2 on Wednesday.

“I thought it was a really good match for me. I think it was extremely close in the first. I think we both played some good tennis. We were both trying to find our feet a little bit, and I felt like, as the match went on, my level improved, and I felt more comfortable out there,” Boulter said after reaching round two.

“I think I learned what I can and can’t do in altitude a bit more. I’ve not played many times here, so I don’t actually know, so I’m still very much learning in that aspect, and I think getting my first win here last year gave me a lot of confidence going into this year, knowing that I can play some better stuff. And getting quite a few match wins now, and regularly on clay, I feel like I’m starting to get consistent wins, which is really important, especially for the whole season.”

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Former Chelsea star Florent Malouda reckons Cesc Fabregas ought to avoid Stamford Bridge following Liam Rosenior’s dismissal by the club earlier today. The ex-Hull City and Strasbourg manager survived just 23 matches of a six-year deal, with Chelsea losing their last five Premier League fixtures consecutively.

There’s been considerable conjecture surrounding Rosenior’s future at the club, but a statement from the Blues confirmed the two parties would be parting company. Calum McFarlane will assume interim responsibility for the side until the campaign concludes, with Chelsea still competing for European qualification.

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Ex-Chelsea midfielder Fabregas had been touted to succeed Rosenior as scrutiny intensified on the Blues gaffer, with the former Spain international making waves over in Italy with Como 1907. His name has again been floated as a potential replacement for Rosenior on a permanent footing, but Malouda has drawn parallels between Xabi Alonso’s recent spell at Real Madrid and what might lie in store for Fabregas at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking to Snabbare, Malouda said: “Will Cesc Fabregas manage Chelsea next? It comes down to Cesc and his confidence in regards to taking that kind of position at this stage of his career.

“I think in the future, I’m sure that he will be one the top managers in the Premier League and that could be at Chelsea, Arsenal or even with another club.

“But I think now it’s about developing and when you look at the example of Xabi Alonso who did well in Germany and then went too early to Real Madrid, it’s a warning sign.

“When you think about the long term about building up your career, going to Chelsea now wouldn’t be wise for Fabregas.”

The former Blues winger dismissed suggestions that the Chelsea role was the most challenging in football, yet conceded it was amongst the most precarious.

He said: “I don’t think Chelsea is the hardest job in football. But I think it’s actually one of the most insecure jobs because especially when you sign long-term deals, you can still leave.

“We have the example of Enzo Maresca. A young manager is winning trophies, and still, he lost his job. So, you might feel insecure, but I mean, when you get a six-year contract and you lose your job, it’s okay, you will find another job the next day. So, there are other jobs more secure than Chelsea manager.”

A Chelsea statement expressed their appreciation for Rosenior and confirmed the club would be undertaking a period of ‘self-reflection’ to ensure they make the correct appointment for their next manager.

“On behalf of everyone at Chelsea FC, we would like to place on record our gratitude to Liam and his staff for all their efforts during their time with the club,” a statement read. “Liam has always conducted himself with the highest integrity and professionalism following his appointment midway through the season.

“This has not been a decision the club has taken lightly, however recent results and performances have fallen below the necessary standards with still so much more to play for this season.

“Everyone at Chelsea FC wishes Liam every success in the future. Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as interim head coach until the end of the season with support from existing club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.

“As the club works to bring stability to the head coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”