Serena Williams is reportedly in discussions to make a stunning return to professional tennis at Queen's Club next month. The 44-year-old, who has not played a match since the US Open in 2022, is said to be planning to play doubles at the HSBC Championships beginning on June 8.
Rumours and Reports
Rumours of a potential comeback for the 23-time grand slam champion have been circulating since last December, when it was revealed that she had re-entered the anti-doping programme, a prerequisite to play on the tour again. Williams initially tried to dismiss the idea, but the Served podcast, hosted by former world number one Andy Roddick, a close friend of Williams, reported on Thursday morning that a return was imminent.
The podcast claimed that Williams is set to play doubles with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko at the HSBC Championships at Queen's. The Daily Telegraph also reported that she has requested a doubles wild card. The Lawn Tennis Association, which runs the event, declined to comment, while a Wimbledon spokesperson said the All England Club will hold a meeting to decide wild cards, with the first batch announced in the week of June 15.
Williams' Hiatus
Williams has not played a match since a glittering farewell at the US Open in 2022, although she pointedly did not say she was retiring, instead describing it as 'evolving away' from tennis. She gave birth to her second daughter the following year and has recently talked about the large amount of weight she has lost.
Potential Impact
If Williams does make her return in Britain, it will be one of the biggest sport stories of the year, with speculation that the seven-time Wimbledon champion could also look to play singles. Asked whether the news is good for tennis, Naomi Osaka said: 'I don't really care about tennis. I think it's good for me. I'll be very entertained. I think it will bring people to watch tennis, which she always does bring an audience with her. So I think it's good. I'm going to be tuned into the first match, for sure. I think a lot of people are. Everyone knows Serena and Venus were my role models growing up, so it's going to be cool to see her on the grounds again.'
