Serena Williams, 44, is returning to competitive tennis after nearly four years away, accepting a wild-card entry in the women's doubles draw at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club in London. The grass-court event begins June 8 and serves as a traditional warm-up for Wimbledon, which starts June 29.
Why now?
Williams described the timing as right for what she called her "next chapter." In a statement released by the tournament, she said grass courts have "given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career," and Queen's Club "feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter." The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has not competed since losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round of the 2022 U.S. Open.
Who will be her partner?
Williams is expected to partner with Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko, according to multiple reports. Mboko, ranked No. 9, is one of the sport's fastest-rising players and is represented by the same agency as Williams, IMG. When asked about the pairing before her second-round match at the French Open, Mboko deferred to Williams, saying the moment belonged to her and it was up to Williams to announce her own comeback.
What comes next?
Williams has requested multiple wild cards for the grass-court season, suggesting she may play beyond Queen's Club. The Tennis Channel called the announcement a "generational moment" for the sport. Williams remains one of the rare wild cards whose tenure as WTA World No. 1 is measured in years rather than weeks, and she holds the record for most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open era among women.
Sources
- Delaware Public Media: Serena Williams returns to tennis, announcing 'next chapter'. Published June 1, 2026.
- Sky Sports: Serena Williams: 23-time Grand Slam winner announces sensational tennis return at age of 44 to play at Queen's and likely Wimbledon. Published June 1, 2026.
- Sportsnet.ca: Reports: Serena Williams wants to return in doubles with Canada's Victoria Mboko. Published May 29, 2026.
- WSLS: Serena Williams is returning to pro tennis at age 44 after nearly 4 years away from the sport. Published June 1, 2026.
Reported from public sources.