Serena Williams to return to professional tennis at age 44

Serena Williams, the 23‑time Grand Slam singles champion, announced she will return to competitive tennis after a nearly four‑year absence. She has been granted a wildcard to play women’s doubles at the LTA’s HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London, with the event set to begin on June 8. Williams said, "Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter," and will likely partner young Canadian Victoria Mboko.

Williams retired following a third‑round loss at the 2022 US Open and officially stepped away from the sport in 2022 to focus on family and business. She re‑entered the anti‑doping programme earlier this year, clearing the way for a comeback. The return of the 44‑year‑old icon is being hailed as a major moment for women's tennis, highlighting her lasting impact on the game.