Venus Williams is actively pursuing a comeback to the French Open, aiming to return to the clay courts after a five-year gap. The 45-year-old tennis icon has expressed her intention to keep competing, despite facing challenges in her career recently. Following her first-round exit at the Madrid Open on April 18, 2026, she has reaffirmed her commitment to playing on clay, highlighting her love for the sport even in this difficult phase.

In her first match in Madrid in five years, Williams faced Spain’s Kaitlin Quevedo, losing with a score of 6-2, 6-4. This defeat marked her tenth consecutive loss in singles matches on tour. Despite this disappointing result, Williams viewed the match as a valuable opportunity to familiarise herself with clay again.

Williams lamented her inability to participate in the upcoming Rome event due to prior commitments, stating she felt “super sad” about missing the opportunity, particularly as her husband is Italian. Nevertheless, she remains optimistic about continuing her journey on clay.

Challenges in Recent Matches

Despite her extensive experience, Williams has struggled to find form lately. Her last victory at a tour-level event occurred in July 2025, where she defeated Peyton Stearns in Washington. Since then, she has faced early eliminations in multiple competitions, including events in Auckland, Hobart, the Australian Open, Austin, Indian Wells, and Miami this season.

Having not competed on clay since her appearance at Roland Garros in 2021, where she exited in the first round, Williams has been making efforts to adapt to the surface once more. She noted that adjustments take time and that she began practising on clay shortly after the Miami tournament.

In her analysis, Williams acknowledged the inspiration of her opponents, stating, “I played against a very inspired opponent today.” Her enthusiasm for the sport, despite recent setbacks, underscores her determination to keep pushing forward.

Breakthrough for Kaitlin Quevedo

Kaitlin Quevedo’s victory over Williams signalled a significant milestone in her career. At just 20 years of age, Quevedo claimed her first main-draw win at a WTA 1000 event, adding to her only second tour-level win overall. This achievement also makes her the youngest Spanish player to win a main-draw match at the Madrid Open.

Quevedo expressed her disbelief and excitement at the win, stating that playing against a legend like Williams was a privilege. The young player’s performance not only demonstrates her potential but also highlights the competitive nature present in women’s tennis at this time.

As Venus Williams sets her sights on the upcoming French Open, the tennis community remains attentive to her journey and aspirations. Despite the challenges, her resilience and passion for the sport persist, illustrating her enduring legacy in tennis.

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