Venus Williams will return to Roland Garros this month, with the 45-year-old American set to compete in women’s doubles at the French Open alongside Hailey Baptiste.
The American pair were among the doubles entrants confirmed Wednesday by French Open organizers. Williams will not compete in the women’s singles draw at this year’s clay-court Grand Slam, which begins May 24 in Paris.
Williams Adds Another Chapter to Historic Career
Williams remains one of the most accomplished players in tennis history. A former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, she has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles during a career that has stretched across four decades.
Roland Garros has been an important part of that career. Williams reached the French Open singles final in 2002 and won the women’s doubles title in Paris in 1999 and 2010.
Her return to the French Open comes after a limited singles schedule in recent years. Earlier this season, Williams received a wild card into the Australian Open, where she lost in the first round to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. AP reported that appearance made her the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles main draw.
Baptiste Gives the Pair a Younger American Partner
Williams will team with Baptiste, a 24-year-old American who is 21 years younger than the tennis great. The partnership gives the French Open doubles draw a notable American storyline, pairing one of the sport’s most recognizable champions with a younger player still building her career on the WTA Tour.
For Williams, doubles offers a familiar stage. Her serve, reach, net instincts and experience have long made her a dangerous doubles player, particularly during her dominant years alongside her sister Serena Williams.
A Fan Favorite Back in Paris
Williams’ appearance will also give Roland Garros fans another chance to see one of tennis’ defining figures. While she is no longer a regular presence in singles draws, her continued participation in major events remains a reminder of her longevity and influence on the sport.
At 45, Williams is still adding to a career that began before many current tour players were born. Her French Open doubles entry may not carry the same expectations that surrounded her prime years, but it will bring attention, history and star power to the women’s doubles field in Paris.
