Serena Williams has been granted a wildcard entry into the Wimbledon singles draw, signaling her highly anticipated return to Grand Slam tennis. The 23-time major champion has not played a singles match at a major since the 2025 US Open, taking a break from the sport.
Wildcard Announcement
The All England Club confirmed the wildcard on Monday, June 21, 2026, placing Williams directly into the main draw. This marks her first Wimbledon singles appearance since 2024. Williams, now 44, has won Wimbledon seven times, most recently in 2016.
Return to Form
Williams has been training intensively over the past few months, posting videos of her practice sessions on social media. She has not competed in a singles tournament since the 2025 US Open, where she lost in the second round. However, she played doubles at the 2026 French Open with her sister Venus, reaching the quarterfinals.
“I feel ready to compete again,” Williams said in a statement. “Wimbledon has always been a special place for me, and I’m excited to step back on Centre Court.”
Impact on the Draw
Williams’s wildcard adds star power to the Wimbledon field, which already includes top players like Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz. Her presence could shake up the women’s singles draw, as she remains a formidable opponent despite her age. The tournament runs from June 29 to July 12.
According to the All England Club, Williams’s wildcard was awarded based on her “exceptional career and contribution to the sport.” She joins other wildcard recipients, including British junior champions and former top-10 players.
