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, this time competing in the women’s doubles alongside rising American star Hailey Baptiste. The move marks 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 her retirement.
Yet the American legend has repeatedly resisted closing the curtain on his career. In 2026 alone, she has already appeared in Auckland, Hobart, the Australian Open, Indian Wells and Madrid, signaling a determined comeback effort.
Williams has an illustrious history in Paris. Although clay was never considered her best surface, she reached the singles final of the French Open in 2002 and won two doubles titles at Roland Garros. At all Grand Slams, she won seven singles titles, 14 women’s doubles titles with sister Serena Williams, and four Olympic gold medals.
VENUS WILLIAMS GOES ON
Despite a difficult run in singles, Williams showed flashes of the athleticism and fighting spirit that once made her the world No. 1. At the 2026 Australian Open, she became the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament’s main event at the age of 45. She returned to clay courts in Madrid earlier this season for the first time since the 2021 French Open.
Her partnership with Baptiste is also interesting. The pair previously teamed up at the 2025 Washington Open and together enjoyed a winning comeback in the doubles. The 24-year-old Baptiste is in the midst of a breakthrough season and has risen rapidly up the WTA rankings.
She reached the semi-finals of the 2026 Madrid Open, stunning world number one Aryna Sabalenko after saving six match points in one of the biggest upsets of the season. This year, Baptiste also broke into the WTA top 25 for the first time in her career.
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Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
13 May 2026 21:06 IST
