In August of 2022, Serena Williams announced that she was “evolving” away from tennis. That evolution has reached a new stage today that has the sports world buzzing, as women’s tennis’ “GOAT” announced that she is back.
Williams will play doubles on grass at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London, which begins next week. It has not yet been announced who her doubles partner will be.
"Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter," Williams said in a statement released by the Lawn Tennis Association. "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."
WTA Valerie Camillo also released a statement on Williams’ return to tennis.
"Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all-time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court," Camillo said. "Her return is an expression of her passion for competition, and I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players.
"Serena is not just a great champion. She's a successful entrepreneur, a powerful advocate for the issues that matter - and one of the most iconic women in the world. We are thrilled to welcome her back to the WTA Tour at this hugely exciting moment for women's tennis."
Williams last played on the WTA Tour in September 2022 as she lost in the third round at the US Open.
It had been rumored that Williams would attempt a comeback for the past few months, as the 44-year-old re-entered tennis’ anti-doping pool this past December.
Williams has not yet announced any plans after Queen’s Club, but a return to singles competition could very well be on the docket. Wimbledon, which Williams has won seven times, begins on Monday June 29. Fanatics Sportsbook does have Wimbledon odds available, with Aryna Sabalenka (+290) as the favorite, but there are not yet odds available for Williams.
Plenty of fantasy matchups could be coming to fruition, including a showdown with 22-year-old Coco Gauff. Gauff was asked just last week about the rumors of Williams’ potential return.
“I did say one of my biggest regrets was not being able to play [Williams],” Gauff said of her childhood idol. “If the rumors are true, I guess we’ll find out in a few days. I think it would be cool for the sport to have a legend back playing.”
Women’s tennis legend Martina Navratilova also spoke out about how Williams’ comeback will set up new, enticing matchups.
“Serena brought the game to another level and it is incredible for the sport that she’s pushing the boundaries and coming back," Navratilova, who herself made a comeback to the sport at age 43, said in a statement released by the WTA. "To many of the younger players, they never had the opportunity to play her; some may have never watched her on television so this will be a new and exciting experience.”
Williams is a 23-time grand slam singles champion, and has 14 grand slam doubles titles. She is known as the highest-earning female athlete of all-time, having won over $90 million in official career prize money.
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