Hailey Baptiste’s Roland Garros campaign came to an unfortunate end earlier this week.
The 22-year-old American picked up a serious injury in her second-round match, falling awkwardly during a point and having to retire from the contest against Wang Xiyu.
Baptiste has since confirmed that she suffered damage to her ACL and meniscus, marking a significant setback at the same tournament where she reached the third round last year. This year’s run included a first-round win over Camila Osorio.
She was also set to play doubles alongside Venus Williams before the injury forced her withdrawal.
Hailey Baptiste announces the end of the 2026 season after injury
“The most heartbreaking end to the best season of my life. Still waiting to wake up from this nightmare. In my head, all I can think is why, why, and why. Why me? Why now? And why like this?
“It’s hard to see any purpose in something like this right now, but in my heart, I truly believe everything happens for a reason.”
“It’s been a long and heavy couple of days filled with bad news, uncontrollable tears, and a million thoughts running through my head. This new, but somewhat familiar, challenge faces me with what will probably be one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I’m beyond ready to show how strong I really am.”
“The reality is, things could be a lot worse, and I have the most amazing and loving people around me whenever I need them. Through the fire, I’m still extremely blessed, and that’s what will get me through the tough days.”
“To everyone who has messaged me, prayed for me, and sent love, thank you so much. I can’t put into words how much it means.”
“Special thanks to my dad, Franklin, and Will. You guys have picked me up, held me together, and damn near wiped my a– these last couple of days. Words won’t do it justice, but I love you guys deeply. I will be back, and I will be better.”
Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova share words of support for Hailey Baptiste
Following Baptiste’s updates, fellow Americans Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova shared messages of encouragement.
Gauff wrote: “Delayed but not denied! bounce back will be legendary.”
Anisimova added: “Hailey, we all love you. You will be back stronger than ever!”
Baptiste was having an impressive season before the injury, reaching the quarterfinals in Miami and the semifinals in Madrid.
She had also picked up a notable first-round win at Roland Garros against two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova.
Read more:
