Venus Williams is returning to the French Open to compete in the women's doubles event after a five-year absence [3].
This return marks a significant moment for the 45-year-old athlete [3], as she re-enters the competitive landscape of one of tennis' most grueling tournaments. Her participation coincides with a high-profile comeback from her sister, Serena Williams, adding a layer of familial legacy to the 2026 event [1, 2].
Williams said she will partner with Hailey Baptiste for the doubles competition at Roland-Garros [1]. Despite her storied career, the U.S. tennis legend currently holds a WTA singles ranking of 458 [1].
During discussions regarding the tournament, Williams focused on the current state of the women's draw and the challenging heat conditions in Paris. She also offered insight into her sister's return to the sport, noting the technical proficiency Serena has maintained during her time away.
"Her stroke quality is still there," Williams said [2].
While Williams expressed readiness to compete, reports regarding her entry have shown some inconsistency. Some sources confirmed her return to the clay courts, while others suggested she missed out on a wildcard entry [1]. However, Williams has maintained her intent to participate in the doubles draw to test her capabilities against the current field.
The return of both Williams sisters to a Grand Slam stage highlights a rare moment in professional tennis where two of the sport's most dominant figures return to competition simultaneously. Williams' decision to focus on doubles allows her to navigate the physical demands of the French Open, while remaining active in the international circuit [1, 3].
“Venus Williams is returning to the French Open to compete in the women's doubles event after a five-year absence.”
The simultaneous return of Venus and Serena Williams to a major tournament represents a significant draw for spectators and sponsors. While Venus' low singles ranking suggests she is no longer a title contender in that category, her move into doubles with Hailey Baptiste indicates a strategic approach to prolonging her career. The focus on 'stroke quality' and physical adaptation to Paris heat suggests that for both sisters, the primary challenge is now the gap between their legendary skill levels and the physical toll of the modern tour.
