Serena Williams is considering a sensational return to elite tennis on the grass courts of Queen's Club in London in just 10 days' time. The 23-time grand slam singles champion, now 44, has been back in the drug testing pool for six months, giving her the green light to make a competitive comeback.
Doubles Wildcard on the Cards
The Served podcast, hosted by former world No. 1 Andy Roddick and veteran journalist L. Jon Wertheim, reported that Williams will seek a doubles wildcard alongside 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, currently ranked No. 9 in singles. The second edition of the Queen's WTA 500 event begins on 8 June, just a day after the French Open concludes.
Training and Speculation
There has been ample speculation about Williams's possible return. The American has been training in Florida for months, working with world No. 79 Alycia Parks, who posted a video of them hitting together in March. Williams has not competed since the 2022 US Open. Although she was careful not to announce a retirement, she appeared on the retired players' list until her return to the drug testing pool last year.
Reactions from Fellow Players
Naomi Osaka, who caught up with Williams at the Met Gala this month and is currently competing at the French Open, expressed excitement about her idol's potential return. "I don't really care about the tennis," Osaka said. "I think it's good for me. I'll be very entertained. But overall, it will bring people to watch tennis, which she always does. I'm going to be tuned into the first match, for sure."
Madison Keys, the world No. 5, added: "Serena Williams playing tennis is only good for tennis. Let's be real, we all want to watch Serena. I am excited. She's the GOAT, so it would be amazing if she came back. You get to watch history every single time she takes the court, so why not watch more?"
