Serena Williams Set for Possible Tennis Comeback at Queen’s Club
Tennis legend Serena Williams could be on her way back to competitive tennis as reports suggest she is planning a return at the Queen’s Club tournament in London next month.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion stepped away from tennis in 2022 after the US Open, but she is now expected to feature in the doubles event at the WTA 500 tournament scheduled to begin on June 8.
Although nothing has been officially confirmed, the 44-year-old is now eligible to compete again after completing six months in the anti-doping testing programme. She would need a wildcard entry to play at the grass-court competition, with two wildcard spots available.
The possible return comes just weeks before Wimbledon, where Williams has enjoyed huge success in the past, winning seven singles titles and seven doubles titles.
Former coach Patrick Mouratoglou is not expected to be part of her team this time. Instead, her long-time practice partner Jarmere Jenkins and former doubles player Rennae Stubbs are likely to work with her.
Reports from the Served podcast hosted by former world number one Andy Roddick claimed Williams could partner 19-year-old Canadian star Victoria Mboko in doubles at Queen’s Club. However, the reports have not yet been confirmed.
Speaking after her French Open match, Mboko refused to say much about the rumours but admitted she would be happy to see Williams return to the court.
Williams remains one of the greatest players in tennis history. Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles are the most by any woman in the Open Era, second only to Margaret Court in the all-time list.
She also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Venus Williams, while the pair also claimed three Olympic gold medals together.
Williams has often avoided using the word “retirement,” saying instead that she was “evolving away” from tennis after her defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.
In recent months, there has been growing talk about a possible comeback following Williams’ fitness progress and weight-loss journey. She recently revealed she had lost 14kg over eight months and has been training hard, including preparing for a half-marathon.
The American star also hinted earlier this year that she could still make a return to tennis, saying she would “see what happens.”
