Serena Williams made an exciting return to professional tennis at Queen’s Club, partnering with Canadian player Victoria Mboko. The 44-year-old tennis star received a warm standing ovation as she made her way onto the grass court for their first-round doubles match against the strong duo of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe.
Historic Return at Queen’s Club
This match marked Williams’ first competitive appearance in nearly four years. Last week, she announced her intention to return to doubles competition, sparking interest in her potential comeback in singles as well. During a news conference, she mentioned that she had not yet decided on singles.
Williams’ presence was felt immediately at the Andy Murray Arena as fans greeted her with enthusiasm. This was evident even after having watched British players Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter win their singles matches during the HSBC Championships.
A Rich Tradition at Queen’s Club
Queen’s Club, located in Hammersmith, west London, is rich in tennis history. Established in 1881, it did not host a women’s tournament for over 50 years until the WTA tour resumed events there in 2025. The venue is traditionally known for its men’s tournament, a premier grass-court event leading up to Wimbledon.
Upcoming Competitions
- Williams will continue her journey by competing in doubles at the Berlin Open in Germany.
- She has not confirmed her plans for Wimbledon, starting June 29.
Prior to her recent match, Williams had not played since her farewell at the 2022 U.S. Open. At that time, she chose to describe her decision as “evolving” rather than retiring from the sport. With an impressive record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven at Wimbledon, and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, Williams remains a significant figure in tennis.
