Serena Williams returns to professional tennis at age 44. The former world number 1 will compete in doubles at Queen’s Club alongside Canadian Victoria Mboko. The American has not competed since 2022. Ela has downplayed the chance to play singles at this point.
The decision marks Williams’s first competitive tournament in almost four years. Queen’s Club hosts the grass event that serves as preparation for Wimbledon. Williams and Mboko face the number 3 seeds, Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe, in the first round, scheduled for Tuesday or Wednesday.
Williams highlights fun and lack of pressure
The 44-year-old tennis player made it clear that the focus now is on enjoying the moment. Ela has won 23 Grand Slam titles in his career and doesn’t feel the need to prove anything. “I don’t need to win. Já I’ve won more than most people in their entire lives,” he said.
Para Williams, the return represents a gain in any scenario. Ela mentioned his daughters Olympia, eight, and Adira, two, as his main motivation. Children will have the opportunity to see her on the court. “It’s about moments like this,” he added.
- The American chose Mboko because she saw in her traces of her own attitude at the beginning of her career
- Mboko, 19, is ranked number 9 in the world and won the 2025 Canadian Open
- Williams praised his partner’s consistency after victories
The partnership with the young Canadian promises to be special. Mboko grew up watching Williams and considers her an idol. “Seeing someone on TV is different from talking in person. Ela is very friendly and funny”, reported the Canadian.
Treino and uncertain future in singles
Williams admitted that he would need more physical preparation to compete in singles. “I probably need to train a little more if I want to play singles. Vamos and see if I can get there,” he said. At the moment, she rules out this immediate possibility.
The calendar also includes doubles in Berlim after Queen’s. The American already practiced with Mboko on Sunday morning on the London lawn. The HSBC Championships tournament takes place from June 8th to 14th.
The return generates expectations among other players. Emma Raducanu, who faced Williams in 2022, celebrated his return. “It’s incredible to see her back. Ela is the greatest female tennis player of all time,” declared the Brit.
Detalhes of preparation on Queen’s Club
Williams landed on Londres and has already stepped onto the training court. Imagens shows the former champion in good shape, exchanging balls with her partner. The grass event requires quick adaptation after a long period away.
Queen’s Club organization granted the duo a wild card. Williams has completed the required period in the anti-doping pool for eligibility. The tournament offers an opportunity to rediscover the competitive rhythm without the pressure of a long singles campaign.
- Williams’s last Grand Slam was in 2017
- Ela gave birth in 2017 and 2023
- Mboko is 19 years old and is already in the top 10
The American reinforced that the current journey does not carry pressure for results. “Everything here is a win”, he repeated. The focus is on enjoying the summer with her daughters outside of school and testing her body at a high level again.
Reações and context of the turn
Jogadoras and fans celebrate Williams’s presence on the circuit. Sua career has been redefining standards for women’s tennis for decades. Returning in doubles allows for gradual evaluation before making any major decisions about singles.
Victoria Mboko gains valuable experience alongside the legend. The Canadian won an important tournament at home last year and shows early maturity. The partnership combines experience with potential youth.
Queen’s Club gets extra attention this week. The traditional tournament opens the grass season at Reino Unido and serves as a thermometer for Wimbledon. Williams arrives with no commitments beyond the initial pairings.