Alizé Cornet has been appointed captain of France’s Billie Jean King Cup team a few months after retiring from tennis a second time earlier this year. The French tennis federation announced the nomination on Sunday, saying Cornet stood out from other candidates because of her “investment in French tennis, her profile, her motivation and her availability.”

The 35-year-old replaces Julien Benneteau, who held the role since 2019. Cornet’s remit will extend beyond the Billie Jean King Cup squad and includes preparing the French Olympic team leading up to the Los Angeles Games in 2028, monitoring national team players during competitions and overseeing youth teams.

“I appreciate the trust the federation has placed in me, and I am determined to do everything I can to help our players reach their full potential,” Cornet said in a statement. “My goal is to build a strong team spirit, based on high standards, solidarity, and a passion for the French jersey.”

Cornet brings the experience of a 20-year professional career to the role. Touted as a young prodigy, she achieved a career-high ranking of No. 11 in 2009 and won six singles titles. Known as a solid baseline player with a strong backhand, she also held the women’s record for most consecutive Grand Slam tournaments played at 69, a streak that ran from the 2007 Australian Open to last year’s French Open.

The federation emphasized Cornet’s availability and motivation when confirming the appointment. Her new duties place her at the centre of France’s national-team planning as preparations begin toward future international events and the 2028 Olympic cycle.