Serena Set To Come Out Of Retirement Ahead Of Wimbledon

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Veteran tennis star Serena Williams has officially announced her comeback to professional tennis, nearly four years after her evolution away from the sport.

Serena has not played professional tennis since losing to Ajla Tomljanovic in the 2022 US Open third round, although she branded her departure as “evolving away” from the sport rather than a retirement.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion will return to compete in the doubles category, marking her return on grass as a warm-up for Wimbledon

She accepted a wildcard entry to the HSBC Championships at the WTA Queen’s Club in London.The Queen’s tournament begins on June 8, 2026, just a day after the French Open concludes.

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She is expected to partner with 19-year-old rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” said Serena.

“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.”

Tournament director Laura Robson added: “Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we’re delighted that she will be making her return to tennis at the LTA’s HSBC Championships.”

Wimbledon begins on June 29 where Williams could be handed a wild-card, although it is unclear if she wants to only play doubles or target a singles comeback.

Williams was in the early stages of pregnancy with Olympia when she won the 2017 Australian Open to move just one Grand Slam singles title behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court.

She reached four more finals on her return from maternity leave, two at Wimbledon and two at the US Open, but was beaten in straight sets on each occasion.