Tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make a stunning return to competitive action after accepting a wildcard entry for the women’s doubles event at Queen’s Club later this month.
The 44-year-old American, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in tennis history, has not competed professionally since her third round exit at the 2022 US Open. Her appearance at Queen’s will mark her first tournament in almost four years.
Tournament organisers confirmed on Monday that Williams will take part in the prestigious grass court event, which begins on June 8. Reports indicate she is expected to partner with rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko in the doubles competition.
Williams fuelled excitement among fans by posting a short video on social media accompanied by the caption, “Good news travels fast.” The clip showed the former world number one practising on court whilst her phone continuously received notifications.
Speculation regarding a possible comeback had been growing since December, when it emerged that Williams had re-entered the sport’s anti-doping programme, a necessary requirement for any player intending to compete again on the professional tour.
Speaking about her return, Williams described Queen’s Club as the ideal venue to begin what she called the next chapter of her tennis journey.
“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages,” she said.
Good news travels fast. pic.twitter.com/R7x7EFPUJ8
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 1, 2026
Williams enjoyed extraordinary success throughout her career, winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any woman during the Open Era. Only Australian great Margaret Court, with 24 major singles titles, sits above her on the all-time list.
Her achievements extend far beyond Grand Slam success. Williams spent 319 weeks as world number one, won four Olympic gold medals, and helped transform women’s tennis through her dominance, athleticism, and influence on and off the court.
The best possible place to return for @serenawilliams 🥰🍃#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/dYjyQxZRAw
— HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 1, 2026
Laura Robson, tournament director of the WTA event at Queen’s, welcomed the announcement and described Williams as one of the greatest athletes ever seen in sport.
The return also adds further significance to the women’s event at Queen’s, which only recently returned to the tennis calendar after a lengthy absence.
Whilst Williams previously stated in 2022 that she preferred to describe her departure from tennis as “evolving” rather than retiring, many believed her playing days were over. Her upcoming appearance at Queen’s now offers fans the opportunity to see one of the sport’s greatest icons back on court once again.
Whether the comeback extends beyond doubles competition remains to be seen, but Serena Williams’ return is already one of the biggest stories in world tennis this year
