Venus Williams, 45, returns to French Open after 5 years, set to play doubles

French Open 2026: At 45, Venus Williams is set to return to Roland Garros after five years, partnering rising American star Hailey Baptiste in the women's doubles event.

In Short

• Venus Williams will play doubles with Hayley Baptiste
• Venus last played at Roland Garros in 2021 alongside Coco Gauff
• Venus Williams won the French Open title in 2002

At 45, Venus Williams continues to defy time. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is set to return to the French Open for the first time in five years, and this time she will compete in the women’s doubles event alongside rising American star Hailey Baptiste. The move marks yet another remarkable chapter in one of tennis’ most enduring careers.

Williams last appeared at Roland Garros in 2021, when she partnered Coco Gauff in doubles. Since then, injuries and long spells away from the tour have limited her appearances, leading many to speculate about retirement.

Yet the American legend has repeatedly resisted closing the curtain on her career. In 2026 alone, she has already made appearances at Auckland, Hobart, the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Madrid, signaling a determined comeback effort.

Williams owns an illustrious history in Paris. Though clay was never considered her best surface, she reached the French Open singles final in 2002 and has won two doubles titles at Roland Garros. Across all Grand Slams, she has captured seven singles titles, 14 women’s doubles crowns with sister Serena Williams and four Olympic gold medals.

VENUS WILLIAMS KEEPS GOING

Despite a difficult run in singles, Williams has shown flashes of the athleticism and fighting spirit that once made her World No.1. At the 2026 Australian Open, she became the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament’s main draw at age 45. Earlier this season in Madrid, she returned to clay courts for the first time since the 2021 French Open.

Her partnership with Baptiste is also an intriguing one. The duo had previously teamed up at the 2025 Washington Open and enjoyed a winning return together in doubles. Baptiste, 24, is in the middle of a breakthrough season and has rapidly climbed the WTA rankings.

She reached the semifinals of the 2026 Madrid Open and stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka after saving six match points in one of the biggest upsets of the season. Baptiste has also broken into the WTA Top 25 for the first time in her career this year.

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