Tennis star Venus Williams is returning to the tournament in Paris
American tennis player Venus Williams will compete in the French Open for the first time since 2021. The legendary athlete will return to the courts of Paris at the age of 45.
This was reported with reference to the official WTA website.
The legendary tennis player will compete in doubles. Her partner will be fellow American Haley Baptiste. They qualified for the tournament based on their rankings, without using a wild card—a special invitation for local or prominent players.
Williams Sr. has participated in several tournaments this year. In particular, she competed on clay in Madrid. In the Spanish capital, the American tennis player played three matches in singles and doubles.
What is Venus Williams known for?
A native of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. She made her debut on the women’s tour back in October 1994. She reached her first WTA final in the fall of 1997 and won her first title in February of the following year.
Over the next two decades, she won another 48 singles titles. In particular, she triumphed seven times at Grand Slam tournaments (Wimbledon—five times, US Open—twice). She also won one Grand Slam Cup and one Tour Finals title, and in 2000, she won gold at the Sydney Olympics. She last played in finals in 2017 (three losses).
In doubles, she has won 22 titles, including 14 Grand Slam titles. She has triumphed three times in doubles at the Olympic Games. She has won two Grand Slam tournaments in mixed doubles.
How Venus Williams performed at Roland Garros
The French Open is not among the American’s favorite majors. She reached the singles final only once—losing to her younger sister Serena in 2002.
However, she has conquered Paris twice in doubles. Together with her sister, Venus Williams triumphed on the clay courts in 1999 and 2010. She also won the mixed doubles title at Roland Garros in 1998, partnering with fellow American Justin Gimelstob.
At the 2026 Met Gala, tennis legend Venus Williams served as co-chair of the evening.
Svitolina and Venus Williams will form a star-studded duo at the tournament in Auckland.
Williams could become the oldest participant in the history of the Australian Open.