Venus Williams makes surprise French Open decision amid prolonged absence from WTA Tour

Venus Williams has made a surprise decision ahead of the 2025 French Open amid her continued absence from the WTA Tour for over a year. The American last competed at the 2024 Sunshine Double.

Back in April, tennis journalist Jon Wertheim shared an image of an email he received, which revealed the blockbuster news that Agassi would be joining TNT Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery's team and lend his expertise as a studio analyst for the semifinals and final of the 2025 French Open.

"TNT Sports and Warner Bros. Discovery - the largest global media partner of Roland Garros - today announced eight-time Major champion and tennis icon Andre Agassi will join their coverage of the only clay-court Grand Slam this May. Agassi, a three-time finalist in Paris and the 1999 Men's Singles Champion, will be a studio analyst during the Semifinal and championship rounds of Roland Garros," an excerpt read.

Andre Agassi's expertise will have some elite company during the event as he will be joined by the genius of none other than seven-time Major Champion and former finalist, Venus Williams.

The American duo will also be joined by the legendary group of Chris Evert, Jim Courier, John McEnroe, Sloane Stephens, and Caroline Wozniacki, all of whom have bagged impressive results at the event in the past.

It is worth noting that Williams hasn't retired from tennis yet, but has been missing in action for over a year now. Her last appearance came at the 2024 Sunshine Double, where she faced opening round exits at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells as well as the Miami Open.

However, she recently opened up about her tennis future.

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"I really don't have a plan for the first time in my life" - Venus Williams opens up about her future in tennis

Venus Williams - Source: Getty

Though she didn't compete at the Sunshine Double this year, Venus Williams did enjoy a practice session with Ons Jabeur in Miami and shared a video on her YouTube channel, where she talked about her future plans in tennis.

"It's like, I really don't have a plan for the first time in my life. As an athlete and a player, there's a whole plan—I'm going to play this tournament and play these tournaments so I can be ready for that tournament. And now, it's like, I love playing, I'm going to play every day, and if I feel ready to play, then I'll play," Venus Williams said. (0:49 onwards)

The American was awarded a wildcard for the 2025 BNP Paribas Open, but then shockingly clarified that she had not accepted any wildcard.