Serena Williams is making her competitive return to tennis this week at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club in London, pairing with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko in women's doubles. The 44-year-old American, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, has not played a professional match since her farewell at the 2022 US Open, marking a gap of nearly four years.
Why is Williams returning now?
Williams said the primary motivation for her comeback is giving her children the opportunity to see her compete. Speaking after a practice session on the Queen's Club grass on Sunday, she explained that having the chance to remain an athlete "possibly one last time" was exciting and meaningful to her. She also noted that her decision to return was informal, stemming from conversations with "a few people" about having fun rather than a long-term plan.
What is her mindset going into the tournament?
Williams is approaching the event without pressure to add titles to her collection. She stated that she has "nothing to prove" and "nothing to lose," emphasizing that winning is not her focus. The 44-year-old said she is "putting no pressure" on herself and that "everything here is just to gain," having already achieved more in her career than most players accomplish in a lifetime.
Will she play singles again?
Williams has not ruled out a return to singles competition but suggested it is not imminent. She said she would likely need more training to pursue singles and that such a move is not part of her current plan. When asked directly, she declined to commit either way, leaving the door open but indicating her focus remains on doubles for now.
Who is her first opponent?
Williams and Mboko drew No. 3 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in the opening round. Routliffe is a former doubles world No. 1 who reached the 2024 Wimbledon doubles final. The first-round matches are scheduled to begin on Monday, June 8, and conclude on Wednesday, June 10.
For Canadian viewers, the tournament will be broadcast on TSN, TVA Sports, and DAZN.
Sources
- Good Morning America: Serena Williams returns to tennis in London doubles event, prove she has nothing to prove. Published June 7, 2026.
- ESPN: Serena Williams is returning to tennis -- what does it mean?. D'Arcy Maine, June 7, 2026.
- ESPN: Serena Williams on Queen's return: 'Don't need to win,' unsure on playing singles again. Published June 7, 2026.
- The Independent: Serena Williams insists she has 'nothing to lose' as she makes highly anticipated tennis comeback at Queens. Published June 7, 2026.
- Sky Sports: Serena Williams says shock tennis comeback at Queen's Club is not about titles as she refuses to commit to singles return. Published June 7, 2026.
Reported from public sources.