Hailey Baptiste has revealed her raw emotions after a devastating injury at the French Open brought her 2026 season to an abrupt halt. As the American reflected on the setback and her outlook moving forward, she received an overwhelming show of support from Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova, and several other players.
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula Support Hailey Baptiste After Her Injury
Baptiste launched her French Open campaign with a display of resilience, claiming a 6-7(7), 7-6(6), 6-2 comeback win over Barbora Krejčíková. However, her promising run came to an end in the second round when she injured her left leg during her second-round clash with Wang Xiyu, forcing her to retire from the Major.
Opening up about the incident, Baptiste described the ordeal as a “nightmare” and lamented that the best season of her career had been cut short in such heartbreaking fashion.
“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,” she captioned her Instagram post.
Despite the “bad news” and “uncontrollable tears” that followed the injury, the 24-year-old chose to focus on her blessings and vowed to be back stronger while expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support she received.
“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,” Baptiste said. “I will be back, and I will be better.”
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Following her post, Baptiste was showered with support from her fellow players in the comments. Jessica Pegula and Amanda Anisimova were among those who sent heartfelt messages, expressing love for their compatriot.
“Sending you all the love and strength I can. ❤️🩹,” Pegula commented.
“Hailey 😭 we all love you 🫶🏼 you will be back stronger than ever!!!!! ❤️🩹,” Anisimova wrote.
Meanwhile, Coco Gauff and her mother, Candi, voiced confidence that the world No. 26 would overcome the setback and return stronger.
“delayed but not denied ! bounce back will be legendary ❤️,” Gauff wrote.
“You will come back bigger, better, strong. Setback is your comeback. Get well soon,” Candi posted.
Taylor Townsend, Sloane Stephens, Iva Jovic, and Katie Boulter also comforted the 24-year-old with loving messages.
“WE LOVE YOU HAILEY!! ❤️ sending prayers and love your way✨❤️,” Townsend commented.
“Sending you love Hailey! My girl, you’re a fighter in every sense of the word, you will be back ♥️,” Stephens wrote.
“Love you and praying for you❤️❤️,” Jovic posted.
“Wishing you a speedy recovery ❤️🩹 🥺,” Boulter commented.
Ben Shelton’s girlfriend, soccer star Trinity Rodman, joined in by sending her best wishes to Baptiste.
“Prayers to u!” she wrote.
Gauff’s father, Corey, penned an uplifting message, making an offer of assistance while backing Baptiste to break into the top 10 on her return.
“Delayed but not denied …my heart broke watching this as I knew instantly the percentages …. You have come back before this is different though … this time you coming back to claim your rightful place in the top 10 …. Love you and your family and team …. Anything and we will do to help speed up your return to greatness ❤️🔥,” he said.
Rennae Stubbs also offered words of encouragement while Eva Lys, Marta Kostyuk, and Venus Williams’ husband Andrea Preti showed their support through emojis.
“We love you Hailey! There is NO doubt you’ll be back and stronger 👏… thinking of you buddy. ❤️,” Stubbs wrote.
According to Jim Courier, Hailey Baptiste’s agent has confirmed that she suffered meniscus and ACL issues, which will need to be treated with surgery. With an estimated recovery timeline of six months, the American is expected to miss the rest of the 2026 season.
