Venus Williams, 45, Plays French Open Doubles After 5 Years

Venus Williams, aged 45, is playing doubles at the French Open for the first time in 5 years. This is her first time back at Roland Garros since 2021.
By Newsroom | Sports, Tennis |

Paris—The veteran tennis player Venus Williams, 45, will compete in the women's doubles at the upcoming French Open, marking her return to the clay courts of Roland Garros for the first time in five years. She is partnering with Hailey Baptiste, a fellow American 21 years her junior.

Williams's participation will be exclusively in the doubles draw; she will not be entering the women's singles competition. Her singles ranking, currently at 458, is insufficient for direct entry into the main singles tournament. However, her doubles ranking, 116 WTA, along with Baptiste's ranking, has secured them a spot in the doubles event.

Venus Williams, 45, to play French Open doubles - 1

The pairing with Baptiste, described as a "rising American star" and a "recent semi-finalist in Madrid," appears to have been a strategic move that granted them direct entry into the tournament. Williams has previously achieved significant success on the Grand Slam circuit, boasting seven singles titles and 14 women's doubles crowns, primarily with her sister Serena Williams. Her history at the French Open includes reaching the singles final in 2002 and winning the doubles title twice with Serena, in 1999 and 2010.

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Williams recently made her return to clay courts at the Madrid Open, her first competitive appearance on the surface in five years. Despite a first-round exit there and a string of recent losses, she expressed a desire to continue playing on clay. This marks her first appearance at Roland Garros since 2021.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is Venus Williams playing doubles at the French Open?
Venus Williams, 45, is playing in the women's doubles at the French Open with Hailey Baptiste. Her singles ranking is too low to enter the singles tournament, but her doubles ranking secured them a spot.
Q: When was Venus Williams last at the French Open?
Venus Williams last played at the French Open in 2021. She is returning to the clay courts of Roland Garros for the first time in five years.
Q: Who is Venus Williams playing doubles with at the French Open?
Venus Williams is partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste, who is 21 years younger than her. Baptiste is a rising player who recently reached the semi-finals in Madrid.
Q: Can Venus Williams still win the French Open?
Venus Williams has a strong history at Grand Slams, winning seven singles titles and 14 doubles titles. While she is playing doubles, her singles ranking of 458 means she did not enter the singles main draw.
Q: Did Venus Williams play recently before the French Open?
Yes, Venus Williams recently played on clay courts at the Madrid Open, her first time on the surface in five years. She expressed a desire to keep playing on clay despite recent losses.