Serena Williams, the legendary tennis player with an astonishing 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, is set to return to the tennis scene. This announcement comes as the American star expresses her intention to participate in the doubles event at the prestigious WTA 500 tournament held at Queen’s Club in London. The tournament organisers confirmed her entry via social media on Monday, 1 June.
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Now 44 years old and a mother of two, Williams will be teaming up with 19-year-old Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko, as reported by The Athletic. This collaboration marks her first appearance on the professional circuit since she competed in the 2022 US Open, where she indicated her desire to “evolve away” from professional tennis. Since then, her journey has included welcoming her second daughter with husband Alexis Ohanian in August 2023.
In preparation for her return, Williams took a significant step by rejoining the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered drug testing pool late last year. This re-entry is a requirement for athletes coming out of retirement, needing to be available for testing for six months before being eligible to compete. An ITIA spokesperson confirmed this move and highlighted its importance in accordance with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) regulations.
While speculation regarding her comeback has been mounting, Williams initially quashed the excitement in December 2025 through a post on social media, dismissing the growing narrative with a lighthearted “Omg y’all I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” However, with the recent announcement, the dynamics appear to have shifted.
Over the last few years, fans and pundits alike have eagerly discussed the possibility of a Williams return, particularly as she focused on regaining her fitness. In August 2025, she disclosed to PEOPLE that she had managed to lose 31 pounds, aided by the use of a GLP-1 medication. She also previously mentioned her longing for tennis, revealing that she had taken up running to stay active.
Recently, during an interview on the Today show, Williams was put on the spot regarding her potential return to the sport. Co-host Savannah Guthrie pointed out Williams’s re-entry into the drug testing pool, hinting at its implications. Williams responded with laughter, referring to the playful atmosphere on set as a distraction. Despite the light banter, Guthrie clearly pressed for an answer, leaving spectators guessing as Williams opted to remain non-committal about a professional comeback.
Interestingly, in March of this year, Williams was noted to be training with professional player Alycia Parks. Parks commented on Williams’s impressive form and fitness level, stating that she looked great and was hitting the ball well. Though she added that the discussions during practice remained focused on training rather than a return, her comments reflected positively on Williams’s readiness.
As the Queen’s Club event draws nearer, anticipation around Williams’s return is palpable. Her transition back into competitive tennis raises questions about her future plans and whether she aims to make a significant impact in the doubles arena, akin to her illustrious singles career. With the tennis community buzzing about her comeback, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Queen’s Club as she steps back onto the court, ready to showcase her talents once more.
This comeback not only represents a significant moment for Williams herself but also signifies her enduring legacy in the sport. Having transcended tennis and carved out a space as an influential figure in both sports and entrepreneurship, her return will be closely watched by fans and fellow athletes alike. The upcoming tournament is likely to draw considerable attention, offering a prominent platform for Williams as she embarks on this new chapter in her tennis journey.