French Open

Former world number one tennis player Ana Ivanovic (38) has made a sad confession about her early retirement from professional tennis at age 29 in December 2016. In an interview on the Croatian sports talk show 'Neuspjeh prvaka' hosted by Slaven Bilić, Ivanovic revealed that severe panic attacks were a major reason for ending her career, not just the injuries previously cited. She stated that in her final years, she experienced intense panic attacks as soon as she stepped onto the court and was terrified of playing in front of an audience. Ivanovic, who won the French Open in 2008 and 15 WTA singles titles, said she never spoke about it publicly before. Despite the difficulty of leaving tennis, which had been her life since age five, she does not regret her decision and is happy with her current life. She was married to German football star Bastian Schweinsteiger from 2016 to 2025, and the couple has three children.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 08:36 AM UTC

Former world number one tennis player Ana Ivanović (38) has made a candid confession about her early retirement from professional tennis at age 29 in December 2016. In an interview on the Croatian sports talk show 'Neuspjeh prvaka' hosted by Slaven Bilić, Ivanović revealed that severe panic attacks were a major factor in her decision to end her career, not just the physical injuries previously cited. She described experiencing intense panic upon stepping onto the court, feeling terrified of playing in front of audiences. Despite the difficulty of leaving the sport she loved since age five, Ivanović stated she has never regretted her decision and is happy with her life now. The Serbian star won the French Open in 2008, reached world number one, and claimed 15 WTA singles titles before retiring.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 06:09 PM UTC

Norwegian tennis player Casper Ruud advanced to his first Italian Open final after a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory over local favorite Luciano Darderi in the Rome Masters semi-final. Despite a significant rain delay, Ruud capitalized on Darderi’s fatigue from a grueling quarter-final match to secure a decisive win in just 65 minutes of play. This achievement marks a career milestone for Ruud, who is set to return to the top 20 rankings. He will face either Jannik Sinner or Daniil Medvedev in the championship match, serving as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming French Open.

7 reports · 4 sources · Updated May 17, 03:21 PM UTC

American tennis players Caty McNally and Coco Gauff have withdrawn from the doubles quarterfinals at the Italian Open in Rome due to McNally's illness. The pair, who had not competed together since 2023, initially showed strong form by winning their first two matches. However, McNally announced via Instagram that she was unable to recover in time for their match against seventh seeds Cristina Bucsa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez. She expressed disappointment but emphasized the need to rest and prepare for the upcoming French Open. Consequently, there are no current plans for the duo to reunite for doubles at Roland-Garros. Gauff, the defending singles champion in Paris, is expected to focus on her singles title defense. Meanwhile, McNally will continue her doubles campaign at the French Open partnering with Storm Hunter. Gauff remains in contention for the singles title in Rome, scheduled to face Elina Svitolina in the final. This withdrawal marks the end of their brief reunion attempt, which had generated interest given their previous success together, including three WTA titles.

1 reports · 1 sources

German tennis star Alexander Zverev has officially withdrawn from the 2026 Hamburg Open, citing persistent back problems that have plagued him throughout the clay-court season. As the world number four and top seed, Zverev was expected to headline the tournament in his hometown. However, following medical advice to rest and recover, he decided to skip the event to ensure full fitness for the upcoming French Open at Roland Garros. Zverev expressed disappointment in an Instagram statement, noting the special significance of playing before a home crowd but emphasizing the necessity of listening to his body. This decision follows hints dropped after his recent defeat to Luciano Darderi in Rome, where he suggested that resting might be a blessing in disguise. Despite the injury setbacks, Zverev has maintained strong performance levels this season, reaching finals in Madrid and other events. The withdrawal allows him a crucial window to recharge physically, aiming to peak for the second Grand Slam of the year. The Hamburg Open will proceed without its highest-ranked participant, altering the dynamics of the draw as other players vie for the title on the clay courts.

1 reports · 1 sources

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has reappointed Andrew Richardson as her coach, reviving the partnership that led to her historic 2021 US Open victory. This strategic move aims to stabilize her coaching team after cycling through multiple mentors and recovering from a post-viral illness. Richardson, formerly of the Ferrer Tennis Academy in Spain, joins Raducanu as she prepares for her comeback at the Strasbourg tournament. The reunion seeks to restore consistency and trust ahead of the French Open and Wimbledon, with strong support from figures like Tim Henman regarding the timing and potential for renewed success.

6 reports · 4 sources · Updated May 17, 04:47 PM UTC

Tennis legend Venus Williams is set to make a historic return to the French Open in 2026 at the age of 45, nearly three decades after her debut at the tournament. After a five-year absence from Roland Garros, the seven-time Grand Slam winner will compete in the doubles event alongside American partner Hailey Baptiste. The pair secured a spot in the main draw based on their combined world rankings. This marks Williams' first appearance on the clay courts of Paris since 2021. Although she will not participate in singles, her return has generated significant attention, highlighting her extraordinary longevity in professional sports. Williams previously won the French Open doubles title twice, in 1999 and 2010, both times with her sister Serena. Earlier in the year, she made history at the Australian Open as the oldest player ever to reach the main draw. In addition to competing, Williams will serve as a tennis analyst for TNT Sports during the tournament, which begins on May 24th. Fans hope her experience combined with Baptiste's form may lead to a surprising performance.

1 reports · 1 sources

World number three tennis player Alexander Zverev has withdrawn from the upcoming Bitpanda Hamburg Open due to persistent back problems. The German star cited medical advice to rest and recover ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 24 in Paris. Zverev expressed disappointment at missing the tournament in his hometown but emphasized the need to address health issues that have affected him throughout the clay court season. This decision follows a recent round of 16 exit at the Masters 1000 event in Rome, where he also struggled with a cold. Despite Zverev's absence, the Hamburg tournament retains significant star power, with top-ten players Alex de Minaur, Félix Auger-Aliassime, and Ben Shelton confirmed to participate. Zverev enters the French Open as the second favorite behind Jannik Sinner, following Carlos Alcaraz's withdrawal. The focus now shifts to Paris, where Zverev aims to secure his first Grand Slam title after prioritizing physical recovery over competing in Hamburg.

1 reports · 1 sources

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has officially reunited with coach Andrew Richardson on a full-time basis, marking a significant step in her career rehabilitation. Richardson, who guided Raducanu to her historic 2021 US Open title as an 18-year-old qualifier, will now lead her coaching team through Wimbledon and beyond. The partnership was formalized in Strasbourg, where Raducanu is preparing for the WTA clay-court tournament, serving as a final warm-up for the French Open. This move follows a period of instability for Raducanu, who has been without a permanent coach since parting ways with Francis Roig earlier in the year. Currently ranked 37th in the world due to a recent absence caused by a post-viral infection, Raducanu aims to regain match fitness and improve her seeding prospects for Roland Garros. She expressed gratitude for reconnecting with Richardson, emphasizing their decade-long relationship and shared vision for future success. This reunion highlights Raducanu's strategic effort to return to the form that made her a Grand Slam champion, leveraging a trusted mentorship to navigate the challenges of the upcoming clay and grass court seasons.

1 reports · 1 sources

Christian Eichner, the head coach of Karlsruher SC (KSC), is set to depart the club after more than six years in charge. His final match will be against VfL Bochum in the 2nd Bundesliga. Following this farewell, the 43-year-old plans to fulfill a long-held dream by attending the French Open tennis tournament in Paris for a few days. Eichner expressed significant anticipation for the trip, citing his deep love for tennis. The upcoming game holds little sporting significance as KSC sits in ninth place and Bochum in tenth. In addition to Eichner's departure, several key players are also leaving the club. Striker Fabian Schleusener, Bosnian national team member Dzenis Burnic, and forward Roko Simic are all exiting the team. Furthermore, full-back David Herold is transferring to the first-division club Borussia Mönchengladbach. While Eichner's future in football remains uncertain, his immediate focus is on enjoying the prestigious tennis event in France. This transition marks the end of an era for the Baden-based team, with multiple roster changes occurring simultaneously as the season concludes.

1 reports · 1 sources

Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek are finding stability on clay courts after a year of inconsistency, positioning themselves well ahead of the French Open. At the 2026 Italian Open, defending French Open champion Coco Gauff advanced to the women's final, demonstrating improved confidence and consistency, particularly in her serve. In contrast, four-time Roland Garros winner Iga Swiatek was eliminated in the semifinals by Elina Svitolina in a tight three-set match. Despite the loss, Swiatek showed signs of returning to her best form under new coach Francisco Roig. Both players recently overcame coaching changes and illness-related setbacks during the Madrid Open. Svitolina, who also defeated Elena Rybakina earlier, will face Gauff in the final, marking a rematch of their intense Dubai Championships encounter earlier this season. The article highlights how both tennis stars are rounding into peak physical condition and mental focus at the crucial start of the clay-court swing, with Gauff citing increased stability in her game and Swiatek refining her aggressive topspin style.

1 reports · 1 sources

British tennis star Emma Raducanu has formally rehired Andrew Richardson as her coach, marking a return to the partnership that guided her to a historic US Open victory in 2021. The announcement comes as Raducanu prepares to resume competition at the WTA 500 event in Strasbourg, serving as crucial preparation for the upcoming French Open. This marks her first tournament appearance in two months following a hiatus due to post-viral illness. Prior to formalizing the agreement, Raducanu completed a clay-court training block at Richardson’s base at the Ferrer Academy in La Nucía, Spain, which acted as a trial period. Raducanu expressed gratitude for reconnecting with Richardson, who has known her for over a decade, emphasizing their shared history and desire to build progress incrementally. The reunion addresses Raducanu's recent instability in coaching arrangements, having previously parted ways with Francisco Roig and worked intermittently with others. Richardson originally coached Raducanu during her breakthrough summer in 2021, a period that culminated in her winning the Grand Slam title as a qualifier without dropping a set, before their initial short-term partnership ended shortly after the triumph.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tennis legend Venus Williams, aged 45, is set to make her return to the French Open for the first time in five years, marking a significant milestone in her comeback following a debilitating health struggle. She will compete in the doubles competition alongside 24-year-old partner Hailey Baptiste, having previously teamed up with her at the 2025 DC Open. Williams will not participate in the singles event. This announcement follows her historic appearance at the Australian Open in January 2026, where she became the oldest woman to play in the main draw. Her return comes after undergoing surgery in 2024 to remove uterine fibroids, a condition that affected her health and career for nearly three decades with symptoms including intense pain and anemia. Williams has spoken openly about her lack of awareness regarding fibroid symptoms and the severity of her condition, which notably led to a collapse at Wimbledon in 2016. Despite losing her opening match in Australia, she expressed gratitude for the crowd's support and joy in returning to the court, highlighting her resilience and inspiring journey back to professional tennis.

1 reports · 1 sources

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has advanced to the semifinals of the Internazionali tournament after a decisive performance against Andrey Rublev, conceding only a single break during the match. He is scheduled to face Daniil Medvedev in the upcoming semifinal round at 7 pm. Despite his successful progression, Sinner admitted to feeling increasing levels of fatigue, which he identifies as his primary challenge at this stage of the competition. The Italian player emphasized that his overarching objective remains focused on preparing for the prestigious Paris tournament, likely referring to the French Open. This statement highlights his strategic approach to managing physical exertion while maintaining high-level performance. The match represents a critical juncture in his clay-court season, balancing immediate competitive demands with long-term goals for the Grand Slam event. His acknowledgment of tiredness underscores the rigorous schedule professional athletes face, yet his determination to reach Paris demonstrates his prioritization of major titles over smaller tournament victories. The upcoming clash with Medvedev promises to be a significant test of his endurance and tactical resilience.

1 reports · 1 sources

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has announced her return to the French Open for the first time in five years. At 45 years old, Williams will compete in the women's doubles event at the 2026 tournament, partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste. The pair secured direct entry based on their combined rankings. Williams will not participate in the singles competition. Her last appearance at Roland Garros was in 2021. This announcement follows her recent historic participation in the Australian Open, where she became the oldest woman ever to play in the main draw of a Grand Slam singles event. Although she lost her opening match in Melbourne, Williams expressed gratitude for the experience and crowd support. Having previously won French Open doubles titles in 1999 and 2010, often alongside her sister Serena, Williams continues to break age-related records in professional tennis. The 2026 French Open is scheduled to take place in Paris from May 24 to June 7, featuring 128 players in the singles draw. Williams' continued presence on the court highlights her enduring legacy and competitive spirit in the sport.

1 reports · 1 sources

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) has been denied media credentials for the 2026 French Open and Wimbledon tournaments due to an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against Grand Slam organizers. Court documents reveal that the All England Lawn Tennis Club and the French Tennis Federation explicitly cited the active litigation as the reason for rejecting credential requests from PTPA executives, including Romain Rosenberg and Anastasia Skavronskaia. In response, the PTPA filed a motion in the Southern District of New York seeking to compel the tournaments to issue these credentials. The conflict stems from a broader legal battle initiated in 2025, where the PTPA accused major tennis governing bodies of forming a cartel to suppress player wages and neglect health concerns. While the Australian Open previously settled with the PTPA and granted access, Wimbledon and the French Open maintain that accreditation is impossible while the lawsuit proceeds, rejecting offers for dialogue unless the legal action is withdrawn. This development highlights escalating tensions between player representatives and tournament organizers in professional tennis.

1 reports · 1 sources

American tennis star Coco Gauff has advanced to the final of the 2026 Italian Open, a WTA 1000 event, after defeating Sorana Cirstea in straight sets with a score of 6-4, 6-3. This victory marks a significant turnaround for Gauff, who has successfully addressed persistent serving issues that plagued her earlier in the season. In her past three matches in Rome, she recorded only six double faults, demonstrating improved stability and consistency. Gauff attributed this improvement to a more consistent ball toss, better weight distribution, and increased confidence in her technique, particularly on her second serve. Having previously defeated Iva Jovic and Mirra Andreeva, Gauff is building strong momentum as she prepares for her upcoming title defense at the French Open. She expressed satisfaction with her current form, noting that her game is moving in the right direction despite minor areas needing fine-tuning. This performance serves as a crucial confidence booster ahead of the clay-court Grand Slam, where she aims to replicate her success from last year's French Open victory.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former Grand Slam champion Rennae Stubbs has issued a warning to tennis star Coco Gauff regarding her playing style during the 2026 Italian Open. Stubbs highlights concerns over Gauff's tendency to engage in prolonged three-set matches, noting that the American has logged nearly nine hours on court, significantly more than other semifinalists. While Gauff's youth currently allows her to recover quickly, Stubbs cautions that this heavy physical workload could lead to chronic injuries and performance issues as she ages into her late twenties and thirties. Specific technical flaws in Gauff's serve, particularly her grip, were also identified as areas needing adjustment to reduce stress on her body. Despite these concerns, Gauff has successfully advanced to the semifinals, maintaining her top-four WTA ranking ahead of the French Open. She is set to face Sorana Cirstea, who has spent considerably less time on court. The analysis underscores the strategic need for Gauff to streamline her matches to ensure long-term career sustainability and physical health.

1 reports · 1 sources

Stan Wawrinka has secured direct entry into the 2026 French Open men's singles draw, rendering his previously awarded wildcard unnecessary. The former Roland Garros champion, who plans to retire at the end of the 2026 season, gained automatic access following Lorenzo Musetti's withdrawal from the tournament due to injury. Consequently, tournament organizers have reallocated Wawrinka's wildcard spot to 26-year-old French player Clement Tabur. Tabur, who recently achieved a career-high ranking of 167, enters the main draw without needing to qualify. Although he is a former junior Australian Open doubles champion, he is still seeking his first senior-level singles victory. He joins other wildcard recipients including Gael Monfils and Hugo Gaston. Meanwhile, Musetti's absence marks a difficult period for the Italian player, who recently lost in the semifinals to Carlos Alcaraz and has dropped out of the top 10 rankings. He is expected to be sidelined until the start of the grass court season, potentially falling outside the top 15 as he loses points from the previous year's clay campaign.

1 reports · 1 sources

Former world number four Greg Rusedski has identified specific environmental factors contributing to Aryna Sabalenka's disappointing performance during the recent clay court season. Following early exits in Madrid and Rome, concerns have arisen regarding the world number one's form ahead of the 2026 Roland Garros tournament. Rusedski argues that slow playing conditions in Rome and unpredictable bounces in Madrid disrupted Sabalenka's rhythm. He specifically criticized the Dunlop tennis balls used in these tournaments, contrasting them unfavorably with the Wilson balls used in Bordeaux. Despite Sabalenka's modest 4-2 record on clay this year, Rusedski maintains that she remains a serious contender for the French Open title if she can regain momentum. He highlighted that the women's draw is wide open, listing Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff alongside Sabalenka as top favorites. The analysis suggests that while current conditions have hindered her aggressive style, her inherent firepower allows her to peak at the right time. The 2026 French Open is scheduled to begin on May 24, leaving a short window for adjustments.

1 reports · 1 sources

British tennis player Emma Raducanu is set to make her competitive return to the WTA Tour after a two-month absence due to a post-viral infection. The 21-year-old has been awarded a wildcard entry into the Strasbourg Open, scheduled to take place from May 17 to 23 on clay courts. This tournament serves as a crucial preparatory event ahead of the French Open. Raducanu last competed in March at Indian Wells and subsequently withdrew from the Italian Open and Linz Open due to ongoing health issues. Her ranking has dropped to No. 297 during this period. The Strasbourg field features notable players such as Madison Keys, Leylah Fernandez, and Ekaterina Alexandrova. Raducanu aims to regain match fitness and consistency, having struggled with injuries throughout her career despite her 2021 US Open victory. This appearance marks her first attempt to build momentum before Roland Garros, where she previously exited in the second round in both 2022 and 2025. The move signals positive progress in her recovery and offers a final opportunity to tune up for the upcoming Grand Slam.

1 reports · 1 sources

In a candid interview with The Guardian, Russian-born Kazakhstani tennis player Alexander Bublik reflects on his recent career turnaround and his controversial reputation for outspokenness. Known for scathing rants against rivals and self-deprecating humor, Bublik defends his emotional outbursts as an honest reaction to the high stress of professional tennis, contrasting his authenticity with what he perceives as a 'fake world' of social media pretense. The article highlights how hitting a career low last year, falling out of the top 80 and playing in Challenger events, served as a catalyst for improvement. This period marked the beginning of his best 12 months, featuring significant victories over top-ranked players like Alex de Minaur and Jack Draper, and a historic Grand Slam quarter-final appearance at the French Open. Bublik discusses his past lack of commitment, including infamous incidents like skipping practice before facing Andy Murray at Wimbledon, and acknowledges how this desperate low point forced him to change his approach. The piece explores the dichotomy between his undeniable talent and previous unprofessional behavior, illustrating his journey from an underachiever to a resurgent force on the ATP tour.

1 reports · 1 sources

Filipina tennis player Alex Eala is set to continue her clay court season by participating in the Internationaux de Strasbourg tournament in France, scheduled from May 17 to 23, 2026. This WTA 500 event serves as a crucial warm-up for the upcoming French Open in Paris, which runs from May 24 to June 6. Eala, currently 20 years old, is navigating the qualifying rounds for the main draw, which features 28 singles players. The tournament has been a significant preparatory event for Roland Garros since its inception in 1987. Recently, Eala competed in the Italian Open in Rome, where she secured two victories before being defeated in the Round of 32 by world No. 2 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan, who is the current Strasbourg champion. In addition to her singles campaign, Eala will also compete in the doubles category at Strasbourg, partnering with Canadian player Victoria Mboko. This participation highlights Eala's ongoing efforts to gain experience and ranking points on the international stage ahead of one of tennis's four Grand Slam tournaments.

1 reports · 1 sources

Filipina tennis star Alexandra Eala will partner with Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko in the doubles competition at the 2026 French Open. This marks the first time the two have teamed up, despite having faced each other twice in singles matches during their developing careers. Eala, currently ranked World No. 42 in singles and No. 88 in doubles, previously defeated Mboko in the 2022 US Open girls’ singles semifinals. Conversely, Mboko, now ranked World No. 9 in singles and No. 133 in doubles, secured a victory against Eala at the Hong Kong Open last year. The pair faces a challenging draw, including top-seeded duo Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend, who recently eliminated Eala in Madrid and Rome. Both athletes are also competing in the singles main draw. Before heading to Paris for the tournament scheduled from May 24 to June 7, Eala is participating in the WTA 500 Strasbourg Open as part of her clay-court preparation, following appearances in Austria, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iga Swiatek advanced to her first individual semi-final of the 2026 season at the Italian Open with a commanding victory over fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula. The former world number one defeated Pegula 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes, showcasing the heavy spin and power that have defined her successful career. This performance marks a significant turnaround for Swiatek, who has faced a challenging start to the year under new coach Francisco Roig, with her only previous semi-final appearance occurring at the United Cup in January. Her dominant display, following a recent win against Naomi Osaka, signals a return to form as she bids for her fourth Rome title. In the semi-finals, Swiatek is set to face Elina Svitolina, who recovered from a set down to defeat Elena Rybakina. Meanwhile, in the men's competition, Casper Ruud secured his semi-final spot by overcoming Karen Khachanov in a rain-interrupted match. Ruud will next play Italian seed Luciano Darderi, who won a lengthy three-set battle against Rafael Jodar. The results highlight Swiatek's resurgence and the ongoing competitive dynamics in both the women's and men's draws in Rome.

1 reports · 1 sources

Iga Swiatek advanced to her first individual semi-final of the 2026 season at the Italian Open with a commanding victory over fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula. The former world number one defeated Pegula 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes, showcasing the heavy spin and power that have defined her successful career. This performance marks a significant turnaround for Swiatek, who has faced a challenging start to the year under new coach Francisco Roig, with her only previous semi-final appearance occurring at the United Cup in January. Her dominant display, following a recent win against Naomi Osaka, signals a return to form as she pursues her fourth Rome title. In the semi-finals, Swiatek is set to face Elina Svitolina, who secured her spot by defeating Elena Rybakina in a three-set match. Additionally, in the men's competition, Casper Ruud reached the semi-finals by overcoming Karen Khachanov. Ruud's match was interrupted by a lengthy rain delay but concluded with a decisive third-set performance, highlighting a day of notable results at the prestigious clay-court tournament in Rome.

1 reports · 1 sources

As the French Open approaches, tennis legend John McEnroe has entered the ongoing debate regarding match formats at Grand Slam tournaments. While men currently play best-of-five sets, women compete in best-of-three. During a discussion on the Rushmore podcast with former star Maria Sharapova, McEnroe suggested a compromise: implementing best-of-five sets for women but introducing a 10-point tiebreaker if the match reaches two sets all. Sharapova expressed skepticism, arguing that match quality would decline due to fatigue and that fans prefer shorter, high-intensity matches. McEnroe countered that endurance issues affect male players as well and cited historical precedents where women played longer formats without disaster. Beyond format discussions, the article highlights a growing tension regarding prize money distribution. Top WTA players, including Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka, have hinted at potential boycotts due to perceived unfair revenue splits at major tournaments. However, experts note that any effective industrial action would require broad support across both tours, not just from top-ranked athletes. The piece juxtaposes these structural debates with the immediate excitement surrounding the upcoming clay-court season in Paris.

1 reports · 1 sources

Italian tennis player Lorenzo Musetti has officially withdrawn from the 2026 French Open and the upcoming Hamburg tournament due to a significant thigh injury. The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, following a medical examination that confirmed a rectus femoris injury. Musetti sustained the injury during his Round of 16 match against Casper Ruud at the Italian Open in Rome on Tuesday. Currently ranked No. 10 in the ATP singles rankings, Musetti stated that the condition requires several weeks of rest and recovery, making his participation in the Roland Garros major impossible. The 2025 French Open semifinalist expressed deep disappointment on Instagram, thanking the Rome crowd for their support despite his physical limitations. The 2026 French Open is scheduled to take place from May 18 to June 7 in Paris. This withdrawal adds to the list of notable absences, as top seed Carlos Alcaraz also announced he would miss the tournament due to a wrist injury. Musetti, who reached a career-best ranking of No. 5 earlier in the season, promised to keep fans updated on his recovery progress.

1 reports · 1 sources

Tennis legend Venus Williams, aged 45, is set to compete in the doubles event at the upcoming French Open, tournament organizers confirmed on Wednesday. Williams will partner with 24-year-old Hailey Baptiste for the clay-court Grand Slam, which is scheduled to begin on May 24 in Paris. While returning to Roland Garros, Williams will not participate in the singles competition. This appearance follows her recent wild-card entry at the Australian Open earlier in 2026, where she was defeated in the first round by Serbia's Olga Danilovic. Williams remains a dominant figure in tennis history, having held the World No. 1 ranking in both singles and doubles. Her impressive career includes seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 doubles titles. Notably, she has previously won the French Open doubles championship twice, in 1999 and 2010. This announcement highlights her continued presence in professional tennis despite her age, focusing specifically on doubles play as she seeks to add to her extensive legacy at one of the sport's most prestigious venues.

1 reports · 1 sources

Venus Williams is set to make her return to the French Open after a five-year absence, competing exclusively in the doubles event alongside American player Hailey Baptiste. Currently ranked 458th in singles, Williams did not receive a wild card and thus will not participate in the singles draw. However, she secured her place in the doubles field through her protected ranking. This tournament marks Williams' sixth different doubles partnership in 2026, following previous collaborations with Elise Mertens, Madison Keys, and Katie Boulter. While her recent singles form has declined, Williams boasts a strong historical record at Roland Garros in doubles, having won two women's doubles titles with her sister Serena and one mixed doubles title. Her partner, Hailey Baptiste, recently gained attention for defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka at the Madrid Open. The 2026 French Open is scheduled to begin on May 24, offering Williams another opportunity to add to her prestigious collection of titles at the Parisian clay court venue.

1 reports · 1 sources