Serena Williams made a successful comeback to competitive tennis after almost four years away, helping to secure a straight-sets doubles win at Queen’s Club in London.
The 44-year-old former world number one teamed up with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to beat the third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez with a score of 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 in front of a full crowd at the Andy Murray Arena.
This victory was Williams’ first competitive match win since the 2022 US Open, ending a 1,375-day break from professional tennis.
“It was so fun,” Williams said after the match. “I had a great time playing with Victoria. She really stepped up for the team and played well at the crucial moments.”
Williams, who left tennis in 2022 after winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, mentioned that part of her motivation to return was the chance to play at Queen’s Club, where women’s events had not been held during her career.
“I never got to play here, it was always just for the men. It feels really special to play in such an iconic place,” she said.
Will Serena Williams return to Wimbledon?
The seven-time Wimbledon champion did not confirm any future appearances, including a potential return to Wimbledon, stating she would take it one day at a time.
Williams and Mboko will continue their journey later this week when they compete against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the second round.
Serena Williams is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players ever, holding 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the Open Era.
After stepping back from competitive tennis following the 2022 U.S. Open to focus on her family and business, the 44-year-old tennis icon made a surprising return to professional tennis in June 2026.
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