Two months after officially ending her career, Alizé Cornet takes over as the head of the French women’s Billie Jean King Cup team. The 35-year-old from Nice succeeds Julien Benneteau, whose contract was not renewed by the French Tennis Federation.
Barely retired from the courts, Alizé Cornet is already returning to the high level, this time on the sidelines. The French Tennis Federation (FFT) made her appointment official this Sunday as the head of the French Billie Jean King Cup team. She succeeds Julien Benneteau, who had been in the position since 2019, with his term ending this year.
“It is a tremendous honor to take on the responsibility of the French women’s teams,” Cornet reacted in the FFT’s statement. “I appreciate the trust that the Federation has placed in me and I am determined to do everything possible to help our players express their best level. I am committed to building a strong team spirit, based on discipline, solidarity, and passion for the blue jersey,” stated the Niçoise.
Her appointment comes at a pivotal moment for French women’s tennis. The tricolor team, currently 22nd in the national rankings, is playing in Group I, the second division globally. Les Bleues will attempt to reclaim their place in the World Group during the matches scheduled for April 2026.
A figure of the French team
Alizé Cornet is well-acquainted with the Billie Jean King Cup. Between 2008 and 2025, in the last edition where she was a surprise guest, she played 38 matches under the blue jersey. In singles, she has a record of seven wins and 18 losses. In doubles, she has six wins and six losses. In 2019, she was part of the victorious team in Australia, bringing France a title that had been awaited since 2003.
This experience will be an asset in her new mission. She will need to unite a group weakened by injuries and absences. Caroline Garcia, Diane Parry, and Clara Burel missed several appointments in 2024, hindering France’s return to the world elite.
Cornet’s appointment also occurs in a context of transition. Julien Benneteau was dismissed in the spring of 2025 after publicly criticizing certain players, stating they had not “taken responsibility.” The handover to Alizé Cornet symbolizes a desire for renewal, with a respected figure from the circuit.
A journey marked by comebacks
The Niçoise withdrew for the first time from the professional circuit at Roland-Garros in May 2024. A few months later, she announced her return, motivated by the joy of playing again and the wish to compete at Wimbledon one last time. Her return was accompanied by participation in several tournaments, including the Rouen Open and the WTA 125 in La Bisbal.
“You thought you were rid of me, but that’s not quite the case yet! See you soon to keep thrilling together,” she declared upon her return to the circuit. But after about ten matches and an elimination in San Sebastián, she ended her career in September 2025. On her Instagram account, she wrote: “A little flashback on a beautiful stay in San Sebastián and closing (for good this time) this chapter as a player. A beautiful place to definitively turn the page and start writing new ones, in every sense of the word.”
This message sounded like a peaceful farewell to the tennis courts. But a new chapter quickly opened. The FFT now entrusts her with the leadership of the national team, a challenge that Cornet seems ready to take on.
A natural transition
At 35, Alizé Cornet is turning to a new form of commitment in tennis. She had already tasted analysis and transmission, notably as a consultant for France Télévisions during the latest Roland-Garros. In parallel, she has also made her mark in the literary world with two novels published in 2022 and 2024.
Her experience, knowledge of the high level, and closeness to current players could help rebuild a team searching for identity. Several former players, including Sophie Amiach, Pauline Parmentier, and Amélie Mauresmo, were candidates for this position. But the FFT opted for continuity from the field, that of a player still close to competition.
Alizé Cornet’s task will not be easy. French women’s tennis has lacked stability and results for several seasons. With only two players in the world top 100 (Loïs Boisson and Varvara Gracheva), the margin is slim. The new captain will need to establish a team dynamic capable of competing with the best nations.
Next April, France will play the Europe/Africa zone qualifications. In case of success, they’ll access the playoffs in November. The stated goal is a return to the World Group by 2027. For Cornet, this new adventure is part of the continuity of a career marked by perseverance. From player to captain, the Niçoise remains faithful to her commitment: defending France’s colors with discipline, solidarity, and passion.
