Serena Williams is set to make her long-awaited return to competitive tennis at London's Queen's Club next week, at the age of 44. The 23-time Grand Slam champion 'evolved away' from tennis at the 2022 US Open but has decided to re-enter the anti-doping testing pool, a mandatory requirement for players returning from retirement.
Williams will compete in the doubles event at the WTA 500 tournament at Queen's. The LTA confirmed she has been awarded a doubles wildcard, though her partner has not yet been officially announced. Reports suggest she will partner top-10 player Victoria Mboko.
Williams said: 'Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I'm excited to be back competing on one of the sport's most iconic stages.'
Tournament director Laura Robson said: 'Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we're delighted that she will be making her return to tennis at the LTA's HSBC Championships.'
WTA Chair Valerie Camillo added: 'Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all-time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court. Her return is an expression of her passion for competition.'
With Williams poised to make her comeback on grass, she will likely have her sights set on a spot at Wimbledon, where she is a seven-time former singles champion.
