Tennis legend Serena Williams has confirmed her return to competitive action after nearly four years away from the sport, with the American set to compete in the women’s doubles event at Queen’s Club in London later this month.
The 44-year-old, who owns 23 Grand Slam singles titles, has not played a professional match since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open.
Williams announced her comeback on Monday with a social media post captioned, “Good news travels fast,” accompanied by a video showing her back on court in an all-white Nike tennis outfit while her phone buzzed continuously in the background.
Speculation about a return had intensified since December, when it emerged that the former world No. 1 had re-entered tennis’ anti-doping programme — a requirement for players seeking to return to the professional tour.
At the time, however, Williams dismissed suggestions of a comeback, writing on social media: “Omg y’all, I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion has now accepted a wildcard entry into the women’s doubles competition at Queen’s, where she is expected to partner rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko.
“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams said.
“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 tournament at Queen’s begins on June 8.
Welcoming the announcement, WTA tournament director Laura Robson described Williams’ return as a major boost for the event.
“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.
“Women’s tennis made a historic return to Queen’s Club last year, and now we have an icon of the game stepping back onto the court.”
Williams stepped away from tennis in 2022, saying she preferred to describe the move as an “evolution” away from the sport rather than retirement.
Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles remain the most by any woman in the Open Era and place her second on the all-time women’s list, behind Australia’s Margaret Court, who won 24 major singles titles.
