PARIS (AP) — Serena Williams is set to make her return to professional tennis at the age of 44, stepping back into the sport she dominated for over two decades. After taking a break from the competitive scene, Williams will compete in the doubles tournament at Queen's Club, with potential appearances at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open following soon after.
Former WTA No. 1 Lindsay Davenport commented on Williams’ comeback, noting that the tennis community is eager to see her return. “It seems like she’s trying to work her way up maybe to the U.S. Open, and those fans would be so ready to see her back on a singles court there,” she stated after the WTA Tour announced Williams accepted a wild-card invitation for the upcoming grass-court tournament in London.
Williams boasts an impressive legacy, having secured seven Wimbledon titles and six at the U.S. Open in her illustrious career. In addition to her singles achievements, she has won six doubles titles at Wimbledon and two at the U.S. Open, all alongside her sister, Venus Williams. Top-ranked player Aryna Sabalenka expressed excitement over Williams’ return, saying, “She’s a legend. It’s inspiring to see.”
Speculation suggests that Williams might also enter singles competition at Wimbledon, which begins on June 28. John McEnroe mentioned, “She’s not getting any younger but she’s Serena Williams, so I bet you she would tell me about wanting to win the whole damn thing.” The Queen’s Club tournament is set to kick off next Monday, and Williams will compete with a partner who has yet to be announced.
Reflecting on her return, Williams expressed, “Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. 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.” It’s noteworthy that she hasn’t played since her farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open, during which she preferred to use “evolving” instead of the term “retiring.”
Davenport mentioned that several current players traveled to Florida to practice with Williams recently, indicating that she is aware of her fitness level compared to contemporary players. However, she cautioned that the physical demands of a two-hour singles match may present challenges upon her return.
Williams, a holder of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles throughout her career, regained her eligibility to compete in February after re-registering with tennis's anti-doping program, marking an essential step toward her comeback.
Discussing the physicality of tennis at older ages, Davenport noted Novak Djokovic’s continued competitiveness at 39 years old, showcasing that high-level play can extend into later years, although returning to singles is considerably more challenging. “It’s not going to be easy. If anyone could do it, certainly it could be her,” Davenport remarked.
Williams has always been noted for her exceptional physical condition, often perceived to be in better shape than when she left, although the grass surface will present unique challenges due to the type of play it demands. Davenport mentioned, “Grass is a tough surface to start on. It goes very quick, very low, very physical, not as much running as clay, but a lot of bending.”
The excitement surrounding Williams’ comeback is palpable within the tennis community. Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka expressed her eagerness to witness Williams back in action, stating, “It will bring people to watch tennis. I’m going to be tuned into the first match, for sure.”
Lastly, Queen’s Club will mark a significant milestone, being a venue where a women’s tournament has returned after more than 50 years. As Laura Robson, the tournament director, noted, “we have an icon of the game stepping back on to court at this prestigious venue.”
