Serena Williams Announces Return to Professional Tennis at Age 44 Ahead of Queen’s Club Doubles Comeback

PARIS: Former world No. 1 and 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena Williams is set to return to professional tennis at the age of 44, marking a stunning comeback to the sport she once dominated for more than two decades.

Williams, who stepped away from full-time competition following the 2022 U.S. Open, will make her return in the doubles event at Queen’s Club in London after receiving a wild-card entry from the WTA Tour. The announcement has sparked widespread excitement across the tennis world, with speculation that she could later feature at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

The former champion, who famously described her departure from tennis as “evolving” rather than retiring, has not competed professionally since 2022. She has won seven Wimbledon singles titles and six U.S. Open singles titles, along with multiple doubles crowns alongside her sister Venus Williams.

Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport said Williams may be building toward a possible singles return at the U.S. Open, noting strong anticipation among fans. “She’s a legend. It’s inspiring to see,” said current world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, adding that Williams’ return is “very good news for tennis.”

Williams herself described Queen’s Club as the ideal starting point for her comeback, stating that grass courts had provided some of the most meaningful moments of her career. “I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages,” she said in a statement.

Tennis figures have expressed both excitement and caution about her return. Commentator John McEnroe said Williams could remain highly competitive in doubles, though singles would present a greater challenge. He noted that even at 39, players such as Novak Djokovic remain competitive at the highest level, highlighting modern training and longevity in the sport.

Williams has recently been training on court and is reported to have practiced with current professionals in Florida. Former players say she appears to remain in exceptional physical condition, though match fitness after years away remains a key question.

The comeback has also drawn reactions from active stars, including Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff, both of whom praised Williams’ influence on the sport and expressed excitement at the possibility of watching her compete again. Fellow American Madison Keys said Williams’ presence on tour is “only good for tennis.”

Williams’ return marks a historic moment for Queen’s Club, which only recently reinstated women’s competition after more than five decades. Tournament officials described her participation as the arrival of an “icon of the game” at the prestigious grass-court event.

Further participation beyond doubles has not yet been confirmed, but speculation continues that Williams may target a broader comeback later in the season, depending on her performance and physical condition.