Serena Williams has confirmed her return to tennis after nearly four years away, with the former world No. 1 set to step onto court for women’s doubles at Queen’s Club later this month.
Williams’ comeback confirmed for Queen’s Club
The 44-year-old has not competed since a third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open, a result that left her one Grand Slam singles title shy of the all-time record of 24. That benchmark is shared by Margaret Court and Novak Djokovic.
Williams made the news public by posting a video from a tennis court, accompanied by the caption “Guess everybody heard the news”, as her phone buzzed repeatedly in the background.
In a separate message, the seven-time Wimbledon champion added: “Good news travels fast.”
Speaking through tournament organisers, 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.”
The women’s draw at the London grass-court event begins on June 8.
How the return was set up
Talk of Williams returning had been circulating since it was revealed in December that she had re-entered the anti-doping programme. That move is understood to be a requirement for players wishing to compete on tour again.
While Williams previously denied that she was preparing a serious comeback, speculation has grown over the past few months that she was on her way back to competition.
- Williams is set to play women’s doubles at Queen’s Club.
- She has been awarded a wild card for the event.
- She is reportedly entered alongside young Canadian Victoria Mboko.
Reaction from players and tournament officials
Serena Williams’ anticipated return was also flagged in March by Novak Djokovic, and multiple players have discussed the possibility during the ongoing French Open.
Naomi Osaka, who famously defeated Williams in the 2018 US Open final, said she thought it would be entertaining when asked whether she would watch a comeback match. “I think it’s good for me. I’ll be very entertained,” Osaka said.
Coco Gauff, who was eliminated in the third round of the French Open on Saturday, added that she would welcome the chance to play Williams for the first time.
WTA tournament director Laura Robson welcomed the announcement. “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,” Robson said.
She continued: “Women’s tennis made a historic return to the Queen’s Club last year and now we have an icon of the game stepping back on to court.”
- Naomi Osaka said she would enjoy watching a comeback match.
- Coco Gauff expressed interest in facing Williams for the first time.
- Laura Robson highlighted the significance of Williams returning to the Queen’s Club stage.
Williams’ career background and family note
Williams has previously spoken about her path away from the sport, explaining in 2022 that she did not want to use the word “retiring” and instead described it as “evolving” away from tennis.
Her record includes 319 weeks as the world No. 1 and 73 singles titles on the WTA Tour.
She also owns 14 major Grand Slam doubles trophies, achieved with her older sister Venus Williams. Venus returned to professional tennis after a 16-month absence last year.
Commenting on Serena’s return, Venus said the “only thing” that would have made her being back on court even better would have been if Serena also returned.
