Hailey Baptiste is making headlines at Roland Garros in 2025, not just for her tennis but for her remarkable journey and the close-knit relationships she shares with fellow American stars. The 23-year-old, who once roomed with Coco Gauff and considers Frances Tiafoe her “brother,” has stormed into the French Open fourth round after a series of stunning upsets, marking her arrival as a major force on the WTA Tour.
Hailey Baptiste’s Breakout at the French Open
Hailey Baptiste’s run at the 2025 French Open has been nothing short of sensational. Entering the tournament ranked No. 70, she had never advanced beyond the second round at a Grand Slam. This year, however, she’s flipped the script. After a gritty opening-round comeback against Beatriz Haddad Maia—where she rattled off seven straight games and fired eight aces—Baptiste dispatched Nao Hibino and Jessica Bouzas Maneiro to reach the fourth round for the first time in her career.
Her journey is even more impressive considering she arrived in Paris on the heels of a second-round exit in Morocco. But Baptiste has shown resilience and a newfound consistency, attributes she credits to her supportive team and inner belief. “I think I’ve just been believing in myself. I’ve been consistent with just the way I’ve been approaching my matches,” she told the press, highlighting the confidence instilled by her coaches and inner circle.
Roommates, Rivals, and Roots: The Coco Gauff Connection
One of the most heartwarming aspects of Hailey Baptiste’s rise is her enduring friendship with Coco Gauff. The two have known each other since their junior days, sharing not just practice courts but also hotel rooms during tournaments. Their camaraderie was on full display at the 2023 Washington Open, where Gauff bested Baptiste but the pair embraced warmly at the net, a testament to their mutual respect and affection.
Gauff has spoken fondly of their bond, recalling, “We practiced together so many times and even shared a room in Palm Springs for a couple of weeks. We know each other very well.” This deep-rooted friendship has provided both players with a sense of normalcy and support amid the pressures of the pro tour.
Frances Tiafoe: More Than a Mentor
If Coco Gauff is a close friend, Frances Tiafoe is family to Hailey Baptiste. The two grew up training at the Junior Tennis Champions Center in Maryland, where their bond was forged through countless hours on and off the court. Baptiste affectionately refers to Frances and his twin brother Franklin as her “brothers,” crediting them with helping shape her both as a player and a person.
Franklin Tiafoe is now part of Baptiste’s coaching team, alongside Eric Hechtman, the former coach of Venus Williams. This unique support system has been pivotal in Baptiste’s recent surge. “They’ve been my brothers for as long as I can remember. So I always look to them for advice. A buddy, a friend, hang out, bored, do whatever – they were always my first call,” Baptiste shared in a recent interview.
Frances Tiafoe himself has been vocal in his support, celebrating Baptiste’s achievements on social media and cheering her on from afar as she continues her French Open run.
Facing Madison Keys: The Biggest Test Yet
Hailey Baptiste’s next challenge is a blockbuster fourth-round showdown with Australian Open champion Madison Keys. The two Americans have a history—Baptiste famously upset Keys as a teenager at the DC Open in 2019, but Keys leads their head-to-head 2-1. Their most recent clash at Indian Wells in 2024 went to a third-set tiebreak, showing just how closely matched they are.
Keys, now 30 and a seasoned Grand Slam contender, has praised Baptiste’s talent and recent form, noting, “She has had some really great wins and is playing some really good tennis. I am not surprised. I have seen her growing up and I think she has had incredible talent the entire time.” Their upcoming encounter promises fireworks, with a coveted quarterfinal berth on the line.
Style, Confidence, and the Future
Off the court, Baptiste has also made headlines—most recently for a minor “headband controversy” at Roland Garros, when officials flagged her Nike logo for being too large. Baptiste took it in stride, focusing instead on her performance and the positive energy from her team and supporters.
At a career-high ranking and with her confidence soaring, Baptiste is poised for even greater achievements. Her journey from sharing rooms with Coco Gauff and bonding with Frances Tiafoe to making deep runs at Grand Slams is a testament to her talent, resilience, and the power of community in sport.
Why Hailey Baptiste’s Story Matters
Hailey Baptiste’s breakthrough is about more than just tennis. It’s a celebration of friendship, family, and the American tennis pipeline that continues to produce world-class talent. Her story inspires not only for the matches she wins but for the relationships she cherishes and the humility she maintains.
Fans and pundits alike are watching closely as Baptiste’s French Open fairytale unfolds. Win or lose in her next match, she has already announced herself as a player to watch for years to come.
If you’re inspired by Hailey Baptiste’s journey, follow her progress at Roland Garros and support the next generation of tennis stars—because stories like hers are what make sport truly special.