Serena Williams wins comeback doubles match at Queen’s Club

Serena Williams, 44, returned to professional tennis after a 1,376‑day hiatus at the Queen’s Club in London. Partnering 19‑year‑old Canadian Victoria Mboko, the former 23‑time Grand Slam singles champion won her first‑round doubles match, defeating the third‑seeded pair Nicole Melichar‑Martinez (USA) and Erin Routliffe (NZ) 7‑6(2), 6‑2. The victory advanced the duo to the quarter‑finals, where they will meet the Canadian‑German team of Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund. It was Williams’ first professional match since the 2022 US Open and her inaugural appearance at Queen’s Club, drawing a standing ovation from a packed Andy Murray Arena. She served at 120 mph, described her own performance as a “C‑minus”, but emphasized the joy of playing: “I was bored sitting at home… I had nothing better to do.” Mboko praised the partnership, saying it felt “natural”. Williams hinted she may aim for Wimbledon and is slated to play doubles at the Berlin Open, but her immediate focus remains on enjoying the game and showing her daughters the sport.