Venus Williams is proving that age is just a number—and she's not done making history. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has officially announced she'll return to the French Open for the first time in five years, partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste in women's doubles at the 2026 tournament.

At 45 years old, Williams continues to defy expectations. She'll team up with Baptiste, a rising star on the tour, after securing direct entry based on their combined rankings. This marks a significant comeback for Williams, who last competed at Roland Garros in 2021 and hasn't played the clay-court major since then.

Williams won't be entering the singles draw, but her doubles presence alone is enough to excite fans. She's no stranger to success in Paris—she and her sister Serena won the women's doubles title together in 1999 and 2010. Williams also reached the singles final in 2002, where she fell to her younger sister in a memorable all-Williams showdown.

This latest announcement comes on the heels of another milestone. Just months ago, Williams made headlines at the Australian Open, where she became the oldest woman ever to play in the main draw at 45. Though she lost in the first round to Olga Danilovic, Williams called the experience "such a great moment."

The 2026 French Open runs from May 24 to June 7 in Paris, with 128 players competing in the women's singles draw. For Williams, every tournament is a chance to add to her legacy—and for fans, it's a reminder that champions never truly retire.