Venus Williams Returns to 2026 French Open Doubles After Five-Year Hiatus

Veteran American Venus Williams, 45, has entered the women’s doubles draw of the 2026 French Open (Roland Garros) with 24-year-old compatriot Hailey Baptiste. The pair earned direct main-draw entry through their combined WTA rankings. Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and 14-time doubles champion, last played at Roland Garros in 2021. Her return follows a 2024 myomectomy to remove uterine fibroids and a historic appearance as the oldest woman in the Australian Open main draw earlier this year.

Venus Williams Set for Historic French Open Return at Age 45Venus Williams, 45, Enters French Open 2026 Women’s Doubles With Hailey BaptistePeople MagazineVenus Williams makes major comeback following devastating health battleVenus Williams Announces She’ll Play at French Open for First Time in 5 Years

Williams brings two French Open doubles titles (1999, 2010) won with sister Serena. Baptiste, a rising talent, recently defeated world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open semifinal and reached the third round in Rome. Their previous partnership at the 2025 DC Open gave them on-court familiarity. Combined, they meet the ranking threshold for direct entry; exact ranking numbers were not disclosed.

Venus Williams, 45, Enters French Open 2026 Women’s Doubles With Hailey Baptiste

Williams’ participation highlights unprecedented longevity for women in elite tennis and offers visibility for older athletes. Beyond competition, she will serve as a TNT Sports commentator during the tournament, beginning at the quarter-final stage. The tournament runs from May 24 to June 7, and the duo will begin play in the opening round; a win would advance them into later rounds against higher-ranked teams.

Venus Williams Set for Historic French Open Return at Age 45

Tournament organizers confirmed Williams’ doubles entry and her exclusion from singles. The Associated Press reported that the entry was earned via combined rankings, not a wildcard. Williams’ representatives noted the possibility of a mixed-doubles or late-stage singles wildcard, but no official decision has been announced.

Venus Williams, 45, Enters French Open 2026 Women’s Doubles With Hailey Baptiste

No criticism or opposition was identified in the sources concerning Williams’ return or the partnership with Baptiste.

Venus Williams Set for Historic French Open Return at Age 45

Sources differ on whether Williams may receive a mixed-doubles or singles wildcard later in the event, and they do not disclose the exact combined ranking that secured direct entry.

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• “It was such a great game, such a great moment. The energy from the crowd was amazing. That lifted me up so much,” — Venus Williams, post-match interview, Australian Open 2026.

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• “I didn't associate the fibroids with my symptoms. I had no idea that fibroids had symptoms,” — Venus Williams, NYU Langone Health interview.

Venus Williams makes major comeback following devastating health battle

• “Yeah, I mean, to get my feet dirty, this was a great start. I’m not able to play Rome, I have other commitments, unfortunately, so I’m really super sad about that, actually. My husband is Italian, so we feel sad that we can’t be there. So we would love to keep it going on the clay,” — Venus Williams, interview after Madrid Open.

Venus Williams, 45, Enters French Open 2026 Women’s Doubles With Hailey Baptiste

• “I was in so much pain, my sister took matters into her own hands and brought in a doctor to help me get off the floor,” — Venus Williams, recounting 2016 Wimbledon incident.

Venus Williams makes major comeback following devastating health battle