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, who "evolved away" from the sport after the 2022 US Open, has decided to re-enter the anti-doping testing pool, a mandatory step for players returning from retirement.
A Legendary Career
During her illustrious career, Williams amassed seven Australian Open titles, three French Opens, seven Wimbledon titles, and six US Opens. In doubles, she also won three Olympic gold medals, four Australian Opens, two French Opens, six Wimbledon titles, and two US Opens. Her return will be in the doubles event at the WTA 500 tournament at Queen's Club.
Official Announcement
The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) confirmed the news in a press release: "23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams today announced her return to professional tennis, with her comeback to take place this summer at the HSBC Championships in London." Williams shared a teaser video on social media with Nike, captioning it: "Good news travels fast." The LTA confirmed she received a doubles wildcard but did not reveal her partner.
Reactions from the Tennis World
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, a former British No. 1, added: "Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we're delighted that she will be making her return at the LTA's HSBC Championships." WTA Chair Valerie Camillo commented: "Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all-time... Her return is an expression of her passion for competition." Martina Navratilova also praised the comeback: "Serena brought the game to another level and it is incredible for the sport that she's pushing the boundaries."
Potential Partner and Wimbledon Hopes
Williams is widely expected to partner Canada's Victoria Mboko. Mboko remained coy when asked about the pairing: "Me and Serena have stayed in touch... I feel like if she's ready to come back on her own terms, then it's up to her to announce that." With her comeback on grass, Williams likely aims for a spot at Wimbledon, where she is a seven-time singles champion and six-time doubles winner. The All England Club will consider wildcard applications, with recipients announced from June 15.
