Serena Williams is reportedly planning a return to professional tennis at the Queen's Club Championships in London next month, pairing with Canadian player Victoria Mboko in doubles. According to reporting from The Telegraph and confirmed by multiple outlets, the 44-year-old 23-time Grand Slam champion has requested a wildcard entry for the grass-court event beginning June 8. It would mark her first competitive appearance since a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.
Why Queen's Club matters for Williams's comeback
The Queen's Club WTA 500 event is a traditional grass-court warm-up for Wimbledon, where Williams won seven singles titles and six doubles championships alongside her sister Venus. The tournament begins one day after the French Open concludes, offering an immediate transition to the surface where Williams achieved much of her historic success. Tournament organisers hold two available doubles wildcard slots, and tour rules permit special entries for former world No. 1 players and Grand Slam champions.
Who is Victoria Mboko?
Mboko is a 19-year-old Canadian ranked No. 9 in singles, according to reporting from The Served podcast, hosted by Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim. The pairing has not yet been officially confirmed by either player or the tournament.
How did Williams become eligible to compete?
Williams re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency's anti-doping testing pool in December 2024 and completed the mandatory six-month monitoring period, granting her official eligibility to return to the WTA Tour. She had not competed since 2022, though she gave birth to her second daughter in August 2023. In January, when asked about a potential comeback during an appearance on the Today show, Williams said, "I'm just having fun and enjoying my life right now. That's not a yes or no. I don't know. I'm just gonna see what happens."
What have other players said?
Naomi Osaka expressed enthusiasm about Williams's possible return, telling press that seeing her back on court would bring audiences to tennis. Madison Keys similarly voiced support, saying watching Williams play represents an opportunity to witness history.
The Queen's Club Championships begin June 8, 2026.
Sources
- Yardbarker: Report: Serena Williams wants to make comeback at Queen's Club. Published 2026-05-28.
- Irish Examiner: Serena Williams poised for sensational tennis return at 44. Published 2026-05-28.
- Just Women's Sports: Serena Williams Wildcard Rumors Hint at Queen's Club Return. Published 2026-05-28.
- The Times Of India: Serena Williams hints at sensational tennis comeback ahead of Wimbledon 2026 after 4 years. Published 2026-05-28.
Reported from public sources.