The most spectacular tennis comeback of the year is perfect: Serena Williams is returning to the international tour. The WTA and the organizers of the tournament at London’s Queen’s Club confirmed this on Monday. The 44-year-old American will receive a wildcard for the grass tournament starting next week.
“The Queen’s Club seems to me to be the perfect place to start this new chapter,” Williams said: “I have experienced some of the most significant moments of my career on grass and I look forward to competing again on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.”
In doubles with Victoria Mboko?
Williams is reportedly set to compete alongside young Canadian Victoria Mboko (19) – Mboko kept a low profile at the French Open in Paris, but did not deny it. Williams is also being discussed as a participant in the doubles competition for the WTA tournament in Berlin (from June 15th).
The 23-time Grand Slam winner also posted a video on Monday that fueled previous speculation without initially going into detail. “Good news travels fast,” Williams wrote on social media about the pictures of her on the tennis court: “I assume you’ve all heard about it?”
Number 1 for 319 weeks
Williams re-entered the anti-doping testing pool last year, raising initial hopes among fans of a return. She actually ended her unique career at the US Open in 2022.
For many, Williams is the best tennis player in history, even if Australian Margaret Court has one more major title to her name. The 44-year-old led the world rankings for 319 weeks and won a total of 73 titles on the WTA tour.
Great anticipation for the next one Williams comeback
Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka is not the only one who would welcome a comeback from Williams. “It will make people watch tennis because it always attracts a big audience. So, yeah, I think it’s good. I’ll definitely watch the first match. I think a lot of people will.”said the Japanese when asked about the rumors at the French Open.
The three-time Grans Slam winner Angelique Kerber also commented on the sidelines of the French Open to the sports show: “I’m very excited to see how she comes back. She’s coming back at the age of 44 – that’s crazy. When she does something, she does it with conviction.”
“Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all time, whose legacy extends far beyond the tennis court”WTA Chairwoman Valerie Camillo said: “Her return is a reflection of her passion for competition and I can’t wait to see her compete against a new generation of top players.”
Venus Williams (45), Serena’s older sister and seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, made her comeback on the tour last summer. She is also still active and is playing in Bad Homburg, among other places, this summer.
