Tennis legend Serena Williams has confirmed her return to competitive tennis nearly four years after stepping away from the sport.
The 44-year-old, who has not played since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open, is set to make her comeback in the women’s doubles event at the prestigious Queen’s Club later this month.
Williams teased the announcement on social media by posting a video of herself training on court alongside the caption, “Good news travels fast.”
Her return follows speculation that began in December when it emerged she had re-entered the sport’s anti-doping programme, a requirement for players intending to compete professionally.
At the time, Williams dismissed suggestions of a comeback, joking on social media: “Omg y’all, I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”
However, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has now accepted a wild card entry into the women’s doubles draw at the HSBC Championships 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.”
Williams enjoyed enormous success on grass courts throughout her career, winning seven Wimbledon singles titles and establishing herself as one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Tournament director Laura Robson welcomed the American’s return, describing Williams as one of the greatest athletes ever to compete in sport.
The former world number one owns 23 Grand Slam singles titles—the most by any woman in the Open Era—and trails only Margaret Court, who holds the all-time women’s record with 24 major singles crowns.
The women’s event at Queen’s Club is scheduled to begin on June 8, with fans eagerly anticipating the return of one of tennis’ most iconic figures.
