Venus Williams takes new job after more than year out following retirement talk

Venus Williams has secured an exciting new role ahead of the French Open.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner is set to join the punditry team at TNT Sports in America, marking their first year as the U.S. rights holders for Roland Garros. Naomi Osaka, meanwhile, is under fire after hitting back at her critics - while Paula Badosa has announced the reason she'll have to retire from tennis at a young age.

Williams hasn't been on court since the 2024 Miami Open, but she hasn't officially retired and is currently listed as an inactive player. While the 44-year-old won't be competing in Paris, she will provide her insight as part of a star-studded broadcasting team.

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Joining Williams on the TNT Sports' French Open coverage team are John McEnroe, Andre Agassi, Chris Evert, Jim Courier, Lindsay Davenport, and Caroline Wozniacki - who recently announced her pregnancy. Sloane Stephens, the 2018 runner-up who now ranks No. 301 in the world, will also be part of the team. The American hasn't played a match since February due to injury.

The news was announced by TNT during an ad break following the NBA Playoffs contest between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers. "I know what it's like to battle on the clay, and I'm looking forward to sharing that experience," said Williams about her new role.

Although the former world No. 1 never won the trophy at Stade Roland Garros, she was a runner-up in 2002, losing to her sister Serena. Venus hasn't competed at the French Open since 2021, with her last match win at the tournament dating back eight years.

The 44-year-old tennis legend hasn't officially hung up her racket, but her latest venture hints at an end to her athletic tenure on the court.

There was recent buzz about a return when Williams had to squash the excitement over an announcement by Indian Wells where she was mentioned as making a comeback with a wildcard. Williams clarified that it was news to her and even revealed that she wouldn't be in the country for the WTA 1000 event.

Tommy Haas, the tournament director for Indian Wells, confirmed with disappointment: "Our team has been informed that Venus is not accepting the wildcard this year.

"We wish Venus all the best and hope to see her back in Indian Wells in the future."