Serena Williams has officially returned to professional tennis at age 44, accepting a wild card to compete in the doubles event at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London. After announcing her return on June 1, 2026, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is partnering with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko for her first competitive appearance since the 2022 US Open.
Why is Serena Williams returning to the tour?
Williams describes her comeback as a pursuit of enjoyment rather than a quest for additional titles. According to her statements, she has nothing left to prove after a career that includes 73 singles titles and a record US$94,816,730 in prize money. She noted that her return is largely motivated by the desire for her children, Olympia and Adira, to see her compete. “I don’t need to win,” Williams said. “I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives, so for me it’s not important.” She added that the summer season, when her children are out of school, provided a “perfect time” to return to the court.
Will Serena Williams play singles again?
While Williams is committed to playing doubles at Queen’s Club and subsequently in Berlin, her future in singles remains uncertain. When asked about a potential return to singles competition, Williams stated, “I can’t say yeah, I can’t say no. Right now, no.” She acknowledged that returning to singles would require a more rigorous training schedule than her current focus. According to the WTA, chair Valerie Camillo expressed excitement over the return, noting that Williams’ legacy extends beyond her on-court achievements.
A wild card is an invitation extended by tournament organizers to players who did not automatically qualify through their world ranking. This allows legends like Serena Williams to re-enter the professional circuit without needing to climb the rankings from zero.
The partnership with Victoria Mboko
Williams selected Victoria Mboko as her doubles partner after being impressed by the teenager’s performance at the 2025 Canadian Open. Williams noted that Mboko reminded her of her own younger self, specifically citing the teenager’s “attitude” and “drive” to keep winning. Mboko, who was 10 years old when Williams won her last Grand Slam, described the experience as surreal. “Growing up, Serena has always been my idol,” Mboko said. “Seeing someone on TV versus actually talking to them in person and having conversations, of course, it’s very different.”
Perspective from the tour
The return of the 23-time Grand Slam champion has been met with enthusiasm by current players. Emma Raducanu, who faced Williams in the first round of the 2022 Cincinnati Open, praised the comeback. “It’s really great to see her back,” Raducanu said. “She’s the greatest female tennis player of all time. It’s just amazing to have her part of the tour again.” Raducanu herself is navigating a return to form following a recent exit at the French Open due to a post-viral illness.
Did you know?
Before her retirement in 2022, Serena Williams spent 319 weeks ranked as the world No. 1 in women’s singles, the third-longest streak in tennis history.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When was Serena Williams’ last professional match? Her last competitive outing prior to the 2026 HSBC Championships was at the 2022 US Open.
- Who is Serena Williams partnering with in doubles? She is playing alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
- Is Serena Williams playing singles at Queen’s Club? No, she is currently only scheduled for doubles competition.
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