Former world number one and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams made a successful return to competitive tennis on Tuesday, securing victory in her first match in nearly four years at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships.
Key Highlights:
- Serena Williams returned to competitive tennis after nearly four years at the Queen’s Club Championships in 2026.
- She partnered with 19-year-old Victoria Mboko in women’s doubles.
- They defeated Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 7–6(2), 6–2 in the first round.
- Williams said she enjoyed the match and has not fully decided on the future of her comeback.
- Her return has sparked attention, with possible upcoming appearances at the Berlin Open and Wimbledon.
Williams, 44, teamed up with 19-year-old Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles competition, defeating third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 7-6(2), 6-2 in their opening-round encounter.
The victory marked Williams’ first competitive match win since stepping away from professional tennis, with the American legend displaying flashes of the form that made her one of the sport’s greatest players.
Reflecting on the win, Williams expressed her excitement about returning to the court.
“It was so fun. I had so much fun playing with Victoria. She was able to hold up the team on the big points and I could lean on her. It felt very natural,” she said.
Speaking further about her decision to return to competition, Williams joked:
“I had nothing better to do! I was sitting at home. I thought, why not? I never got to play here, it was always just the men. It feels very special to play somewhere so iconic. It’s very cool.”
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The tennis icon also admitted she remains uncertain about what the future holds regarding her playing career.
Her partner, Mboko, described the experience as a privilege, saying:
“I feel very honoured to play with you Serena, it’s a privilege. We’re going for more!”
The Williams-Mboko partnership will return to action in the quarterfinals later this week as they continue their campaign at Queen’s Club.
Williams is also scheduled to compete at the Berlin Open after accepting a doubles wild card and could make a further appearance at Wimbledon Championships later this month, raising hopes of an extended comeback on the professional circuit.
