Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion and mother of two, officially announced her return to professional tennis after nearly four years away. The announcement came Monday, ending months of speculation about her comeback.
Williams will compete in women's doubles at the Queen's Club Championships in the UK this month, with her expected partner being 19-year-old Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko. The tournament is seen as a lead-up to Wimbledon, the year's third Grand Slam.
"I'm very excited. Serena and I have been in touch, and it's really wonderful because I admire her so much," Mboko shared at the French Open last week. Williams posted a humorous video on social media with the caption: "Good news travels fast."
Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport believes Williams could appear at the US Open in the coming months. "It seems she is taking it step by step to aim for the US Open, and the fans there are ready to welcome her back on the singles court," Davenport commented.
Naomi Osaka, who defeated Williams in the 2018 US Open final for her maiden Grand Slam title, expressed excitement: "It will bring people to tennis. I'll definitely watch her first match. Everyone knows Serena and Venus are my idols; it's great to see her back."
Current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka called it "very good news for tennis," while Coco Gauff lamented never facing the legend: "One of my biggest regrets is not getting to play against her."
Former champion John McEnroe suggested Williams could play singles at Wimbledon, starting June 28. "She's not young, but she's Serena Williams. I bet she'll talk about wanting to win all the titles," McEnroe said in Paris.
The Queen's Club Championships begin Monday. The Women's Tennis Association announced Williams will compete with "a partner to be announced later." "Queen's Club is the perfect place to start this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career," Williams stated.
Davenport revealed that some current women's players recently traveled to Florida to train with Williams but acknowledged the return won't be easy. Williams has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles in her illustrious career. She became eligible to compete in February after re-enrolling in the mandatory anti-doping program six months prior.
Williams joins a list of sports champions making comebacks, including Allyson Felix (track and field) eyeing her sixth Olympics in Los Angeles 2028, and Lindsey Vonn (skiing) returning after knee replacement surgery. WTA President Valerie Camillo noted: "Serena's return shows her competitive passion. I can't wait to see her take on the new generation."
