Serena Williams plotted her return to Wimbledon 2026 from a £40,000-a-week Airbnb in London. The seven-time champion accepted the wildcard invitation back to SW19, with official confirmation in a press release last Sunday evening. It has now been revealed that the 44-year-old planned her comeback from a luxury six-bedroom, seven-storey property in London’s West Kensington.
Luxury Accommodation and Social Media
While playing in the doubles at Queens, the tennis legend stayed in the spacious mansion, which boasts a walled roof terrace, huge freestanding tub, and stunning crystal globe chandeliers. She shared photos of the luxury pad on her Instagram on June 17, thanking Airbnb for “a wonderful stay.” The caption added: “A little peace goes a long way during tournament week.” In the images, Williams is seen running a bath, posing outside the property, and is snapped in another, looking out over the balcony, surrounded by perfectly manicured plants.
The owner replied: “It was a privilege to host you, and we’re delighted our home could provide a little peace during tournament week.”
Last-Minute Decision and Performance at Queens
Her decision to enter Wimbledon was decided just hours before the deadline last Monday as she told the press that she “wasn’t sure” up until the final moments. “Honestly, I’m still not even sure, but we’ll see…I feel like I’m really going to enjoy being out there,” she said. Williams looked a force to be reckoned with at Queens, but was forced to retire after her partner Victoria Mboko suffered a knee injury. But even 1,375 days after she last stepped onto a competitive tennis court, Williams was sharp and fit, serving balls at 120mph and plenty of powerful groundstrokes.
No Pressure to Win and Anti-Doping Concerns
However, she has insisted that there is no pressure to win at this year’s Wimbledon. She said: “I’ve had enough pressure. It’s really about my kids getting to see me play.” The former champion also slammed “unreasonable” anti-doping tests which have prevented her from picking up her children. She added that the testing almost put her off from returning. Under current rules, active tennis players must let testers know where they are for one hour of every single day.
Family Involvement and Doubles Entry
Williams’ two daughters will also get to see their aunt and mother play together, as the Williams sisters enter the doubles.
