Venus Williams will be playing both singles and doubles for her return to the WTA Tour at the Washington Open.
Williams will be returning after 16 months out of action, with the former world number one now 45 years old.
As a veteran now on the WTA Tour, Williams has offered advice to her fellow players on tour.
She has also learnt who she will play in the first round of the Washington Open, with Williams coming up against a record-breaking American in singles.
Williams will first take to the doubles court alongside a player who has now spoken out about their partnership.
Hailey Baptiste reveals if she would like to play Venus Williams
Hailey Baptiste has enjoyed a dramatic rise up the WTA rankings in the past 12 months, and is currently the world number 50.
The 23-year-old has been predicted to increase this rise, with Madison Keys backing Baptiste to reach the top 10 in her career.
At her home tournament, the Washington Open, Baptiste will be playing alongside the aforementioned Venus Williams, who has won 21 majors across singles and doubles.
When speaking in her pre-tournament press conference, Baptiste was asked about Williams and if she would also like to play her in singles as well as doubles.
Despite having practiced with Williams before, Baptiste suggested that she would like to put that into a match scenario.
“Yeah, I have never played her, but yeah, I mean, I have had several practices with her, so stepping on the court in any capacity is obviously an honour,” said Baptiste.
Williams and Baptiste would only be able to go head-to-head in singles if both players reach the Washington Open semifinals.
Baptiste was asked a follow-up question about Williams’ return, to which she explained how excited she was to see her back around.
“I think it’s amazing. I’m super excited to see what she’s gonna do,” said Baptiste. “Obviously it’s impressive to be able to be at this level at that age. I have a ton of respect for her, somebody I have looked up to my entire life. It’s exciting.”
Hailey Baptiste reveals that she has played doubles with Venus Williams before
Not only has the American capital hosted an ATP/WTA 500 tournament, but it also had a franchise for the World Team Tennis league that was called the Washington Kastles.
Both Venus and Serena Williams were part of that team, with Washington D.C. local Baptiste being asked about her experience of watching them as part of the Washington Kastles.
Baptiste revealed that she had watched the Kastles in person as a child and actually had the opportunity to play doubles with Venus when she was four or five years old.
“It’s funny, literally two nights ago I was watching a video, because I went to the Kastles one year with the WTEF (Washington Tennis & Education Foundation), and I got to play doubles with Venus there,” revealed Baptiste. “I think I was four or five years old.
“So, yeah, that was crazy that that happened (smiling). Could maybe happen in the future again.”
Baptiste will now partner Williams in a professional setting, as they take on another wildcard duo in Clervie Ngounoue and soon-to-be retired Eugenie Bouchard.
Regardless of the outcome of the match, both Baptiste and Williams will then play their singles matches on Tuesday, July 22, against Sofia Kenin and Peyton Stearns, respectively.
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