Katie Volynets, who achieved a career high WTA ranking of 56th in July 2024, has Hall of Famer and Belgian tennis legend Kim Clijsters on her team for the 2026 French Open.

Volynets is into the second round of Roland Garros. She explained after her first round win that this collaboration with Clijsters was in the works for months. Volynets is thrilled it came to fruition in Paris.

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Volynets has challenging second round opponent

We may find out quickly if a short time with Clijsters impacts Volynets’ game because she faces Mutua Madrid Open champion Marta Kostyuk in a Wednesday second round match.

Volynets has defeated Kostyuk in their previous meeting on the hardcourts at the 2024 China Open. Kostyuk is having a career best 2026 season so she is a different player now and on the clay.

Other opponents Volynets has defeated include Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells in 2024, and Stroudsburg Open champion Emma Navarro on May 13 at the WTA 125 Paris Challenger event. That is the last time Navarro lost a match.

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Surprising move from Clijsters

Fans were surprised to hear that Clijsters is dipping her toe back into coaching with Volynets. She has historically only worked with Belgian players, most notably Elise Mertens and former player Yanina Wickmayer.

Volynets mentioned it had been a long time coming in working with Clijsters. This could be attributed to Clijsters tearing her Achilles two times last year and enduring a long recovery.

Regardless of how far Volynets goes at Roland Garros, it is nice to see Clijsters back in a coaching role, even if it is temporary. Kostyuk also has female coaches on her team. It will be an all girl event at Roland Garros on Wednesday, a rarity in this era of competitive tennis.