Serena Williams will make her comeback on the grass (Image: Getty)
Serena Williams will officially make her return to competition at London’s Queen’s Club next week, aged 44. The 23-time Grand Slam champion “evolved away” from tennis at the 2022 US Open but re-entered the anti-doping testing pool late last year, which is a requirement for players who wish to come back from retirement.
And the LTA have now confirmed that Williams has been granted a wildcard into the doubles event into the WTA 500 event at Queen’s. In a press release, the LTA said: “23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams today announced her return to professional tennis, with her comeback to the sport to take place this summer at the HSBC Championships in London.”
Williams’ comeback was first teased last week on Andy Roddick’s Served podcast. It was reported that the former world No. 1 had been eyeing a return on the grass and would team up with top-10 star Victoria Mboko in doubles at Queen’s.
Mboko remained tight-lipped when asked about this during the French Open, but Williams’ sensational return became official on Monday. The 44-year-old shared a teaser video on her social media platforms with Nike, and wrote: “Good news travels fast.”
The LTA then confirmed that Williams had been granted a doubles wildcard at the WTA 500 event, though did not say who she would partner up with. The American tennis legend 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 retired former British No. 1, 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.
“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 at this prestigious venue – it’s very exciting for the tournament and the fans.”
WTA Chair Valerie Camillo also celebrated the 23-time Major winner’s impending return. “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, and I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players,” she said.
Serena Williams initially retired at the 2022 US Open (Image: Getty)
“Serena is not just a great champion. She’s a successful entrepreneur, a powerful advocate for the issues that matter – and one of the most iconic women in the world. We are thrilled to welcome her back to the WTA Tour at this hugely exciting moment for women’s tennis.”
Martina Navratilova added: “Serena brought the game to another level and it is incredible for the sport that she’s pushing the boundaries and coming back. To many of the younger players, they never had the opportunity to play her; some may have never watched her on television so this will be a new and exciting experience.”
The LTA did not confirm who would team up with Williams, but Robson told TNT Sports that she would be playing alongside Mboko as previously rumoured. Last week, the Canadian tennis star was quizzed over reports that they’d be playing doubles together, but played coy. “Me and Serena have stayed in touch, which is really, really nice, because you know, I really look up to her. I mean, the fact that she even knows me is very, it’s very exciting,” she laughed.
“I think for me I want to kind of let the moment for her. I feel like if she’s ready to come back on her own terms, then I feel like it’s up to her to announce that, but other than that, I can’t really – I don’t really have much to say. Yeah, I think the moment is all up to her, and when she’s ready to come back, yeah, it’s up to her.”
With Williams set to return on the grass courts of Queen’s, she will also no doubt be eyeing up a place at Wimbledon, where she is a seven-time former singles champion, and six-time doubles winner. The All England Club will meet to discuss wildcard applications, with recipients set to be announced the week commencing June 15.
EXPRESS SPORT ON FB! Get all the best sports news and much more on our Facebook page
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy