Hailey Baptiste’s French Open campaign has abruptly ended in retirement. The rising American star was playing some of her best tennis during the clay swing. She was one of the contenders to challenge top seeds at the tournament after she saved six match points to beat World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid earlier this month.
Baptiste was defending her fourth-round appearance from last year in Paris. In the first round on Monday, she again save two match points against former champion Barbora Krejčíková, winning the match 6-7(7), 7-6(6), 6-2 to advance to the second round. The following match, however, ended badly as the American suffered a freak injury. Her father’s heartbreaking reaction evoked a response from former player, Rennae Stubbs.
Hailey Baptiste Forced to Retire At the French Open After Leg Injury
Baptiste took on China’s Wang Xiyu in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday, May 27. Seeded 26th, she was the favorite to win the clash.
In the opening set, the American was broken twice but managed to recover one break. As her opponent served for the set at 5-4 (40-40), Baptiste opted for a jumping cross-court forehand but landed awkwardly on her left leg and immediately dropped to the ground, grabbing her knee.
As she screamed in pain, her worried father, Quasim, who was in the stands, ran to help her. Soon after, chair umpire Marija Čičak rushed to the scene. Baptiste was eventually escorted out of the court in a wheelchair, resulting in immediate retirement.
Prayers up to Hailey Baptiste she severely injured that left leg/knee 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/ZDZoK0rG8E
— Gio (@jsmove7) May 27, 2026
The incident had an effect on former doubles World No. 1 and renowned coach, Stubbs, who was bothered by Baptiste’s father being moved away by the umpire. She noted that while Čičak was correct on her part in moving Quasim away from the scene, the turn of events was “brutal” to witness.
“Hailey’s dad jumping on court today. Honestly, I know it’s not ‘allowed’ and the umpire was doing her job, but HOLY S**T, that’s a dad seeing his baby in pain and any parent going on court when their kid is like that, it’s ok with me! I am gutted for Hailey and her team! Brutal scenes..
Haileys Dad jumping on court today 😭 Honestly, i know its not “allowed” & the umpire was doing her job, but HOLY SHIT thats a dad seeing his baby in pain & any parent going on court when their kid is like that, its ok with me! I am gutted for Hailey and her team! Brutal scenes..
— Rennae Stubbs ♈️ (@rennaestubbs) May 27, 2026
The severity of her injury has yet to be revealed. It remains to be seen where the player resumes her 2026 journey.
