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Venus Williams targets a Roland-Garros return despite 10 straight losses, insisting she’s “not done” as she battles rust, form and time at 45.
Venus Williams last played at Roland Garros back in 2021 (AFP)
At 45, Venus Williams may be enduring a rough run. But retirement? Not on the table.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear — she still has her sights set on the French Open.
Madrid Exit Extends Tough Streak
Williams’ latest outing ended in disappointment at the Madrid Open, where she fell 6-2, 6-4 to Spain’s rising star Kaitlin Quevedo in the first round.
It marked her 10th consecutive singles defeat.
For Quevedo, it was a breakthrough moment.
“I was so surprised… it was a privilege,” she said after claiming her first WTA 1000 main-draw win and just the second tour-level victory of her career.
“I’d Love To Keep It Going On Clay”
Despite the loss, which marked her first outing in clay since the 2021 Roland Garros, Williams remains ambitious.
“Yeah, I mean, to get my feet dirty, this was a great start,” she said post-match.
“I would love to keep it going on the clay.”
A return to Rome, however, is off the cards.
“I’m not able to play Rome, so I’m really super sad about that, actually. My husband is Italian, so we feel sad that we can’t be there,” she added, noting she missed out on a wild card for the Italian Open.
Instead, her focus shifts firmly to Paris.
Rust, Rhythm and Reality
Williams hasn’t won a singles match since defeating Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open in July 2025.
Since then, early exits at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, and now Madrid have underlined the challenge of competing at the highest level.
But context matters.
“All these things take adjustments… I haven’t really played on clay in years,” Williams explained. “But I enjoy the clay, it’s fun. I played against a very inspired opponent today.”
Williams hasn’t played at Roland-Garros since 2021, when she exited in the first round. And she will be hoping she gets called up as a wildcard for the upcoming edition, which is set to begin on May 24.
But first, there’s still some tennis left this week in Madrid for Williams, who will feature in doubles alongside Katie Boulter.
“She asked me to play. I’m looking forward. She has a great attitude and energy.”
(with agency inputs)
April 22, 2026, 10:22 IST
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