Venus Williams, 45, Announces She’ll Play at French Open for First Time in 5 Years

NEED TO KNOW

• Venus Williams will play doubles with Hailey Baptiste at the 2026 French Open after a five-year hiatus from the Grand Slam
• Williams last competed at the French Open in 2021 and previously won doubles titles there in 1999 and 2010
• At 45, Williams continues breaking records, recently becoming the oldest woman in the Australian Open main draw

The French Open will be welcoming Venus Williams back after a five-year hiatus. 

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will partner with fellow American Hailey Baptiste in doubles at the 2026 French Open, marking Williams' latest return to the court at age 45.

Williams will not play in the women's singles, the Associated Press confirmed after organizers released the list of entrants.

The pair secured direct entry into the tournament based on their combined rankings, marking Williams' first appearance since her hiatus, according to Just Women's Sports.

The last time Williams played at the French Open was in 2021, the outlet reported.

In the past, Williams held the No. 1 spot in both singles and doubles, the AP reported.

She lost the French Open singles final to her younger sister Serena in 2002 and together they won the doubles event in 1999 and 2010.

The 2026 French Open women's Singles tournament runs from May 24 to June 7, 2026, in Paris, and will feature 128 players.

Recently, Williams broke an Australian Open record — just by playing.

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When she hit the Melbourne court for the first day of the tournament on Sunday, Jan. 18, Williams had received a wildcard to play, making her as the oldest-ever women's player in the main draw, according to Australian Open officials.

She lost against Olga Danilovic in the first-round, but Williams was thrilled with the experience, she said after.

"It was such a great game, such a great moment. The energy from the crowd was amazing. That lifted me up so much," Williams said about the match against Danilovic. “She played a great game. Also some luck there, as well. That's just the sport. That's how it works sometimes. But it was an amazing moment.”

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