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[SPORTS] · United States, United Kingdom · 76 sources

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Serena Williams awarded Wimbledon 2026 singles wildcard for comeback appearance

Serena Williams, the 44‑year‑old 23‑time Grand Slam champion, has been granted the final women’s singles wildcard for Wimbledon 2026, confirming her return to Grand Slam singles competition for the first time since the 2022 US Open. The All England Club announced the decision on its Instagram account, stating, “This is not a drill.” Williams will also compete in the doubles draw alongside her sister Venus, who received a separate wildcard for the event.

Williams’ recent activity includes doubles outings at the Queen’s Club Championships with Victoria Mboko and at the Berlin Ladies Open with Karolína Muchová, both serving as stepping‑stones toward a full‑time comeback. The Wimbledon tournament runs from 29 June to 12 July, and the wildcard places her directly into the main draw without the need for qualification.

The announcement has generated widespread interest, as Williams remains one of the sport’s most iconic figures, and her participation adds a historic narrative to this year’s championships.

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