- Williams dismissed suggestions that she was preparing for a comeback
- She noted that grass courts hold special memories for her, having enjoyed some of the most significant achievements of her career on the surface
Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make a surprise return to competitive action after nearly four years away from the sport.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that the American icon, who has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, will feature in the women’s doubles event at the Queen’s Club Championships in London later this month.
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Williams, now 44, has not competed professionally since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open.
Her comeback was confirmed on Monday through a social media post that hinted at the announcement with the message, “Good news travels fast,” accompanied by footage of her training on court.
Speculation about a possible return intensified late last year when it emerged that the former world number one had rejoined the anti-doping testing programme, a key requirement for players seeking to compete on the professional tour.
At the time, however, Williams dismissed suggestions that she was preparing for a comeback.
Tournament organisers have now granted her a wildcard entry into the doubles competition at Queen’s, where she is expected to partner rising Canadian player Victoria Mboko.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Williams described the event as an ideal setting to begin a new phase of her tennis journey. She noted that grass courts hold special memories for her, having enjoyed some of the most significant achievements of her career on the surface.
The Queen’s tournament, which begins on June 8, will mark her first competitive appearance since stepping away from the game.
Tournament director Laura Robson welcomed the development, describing Williams as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history and expressing excitement about her return to the court.
Although Williams never officially described her departure from tennis as retirement, she previously said she was “evolving” away from the sport.
Her record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles remains the highest by any woman in the Open Era and leaves her just one title behind Australian great Margaret Court on the all-time list.
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