Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make her long-awaited return to competitive action after nearly four years away from the sport.
The 44-year-old American has been granted a wildcard for the women’s doubles event at Queen’s Club, where she will partner rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko when the tournament begins on 8 June.
Williams stepped away from tennis in 2022 after a remarkable career that saw her win 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Speculation about a comeback intensified in recent months following her inclusion in tennis’ anti-doping and integrity programme lists.
Confirming her return, Williams said Queen’s Club was the “perfect place” to begin the next chapter of her career, adding that grass courts had provided some of her most memorable moments in the sport.
Her comeback comes 196 weeks after her last competitive appearance at the 2022 US Open and could pave the way for a return to Wimbledon, where she has won seven singles and seven doubles titles.
Williams will team up with 19-year-old Victoria Mboko, one of the brightest young talents in women’s tennis, who recently described the American icon as her “idol.”
