Serena Williams is reportedly considering a return to elite tennis at the age of 44, with plans to compete on the grass courts of Queen's Club in London later this month. The 23-time grand slam singles champion has been back in the drug testing pool for the past six months, clearing the way for her potential comeback.
According to the Served podcast, hosted by former world No 1 Andy Roddick and journalist L Jon Wertheim, 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, the day after the French Open concludes.
Williams has not competed since the 2022 US Open. Although she stopped short of announcing her retirement at the time, she appeared on the retired players' list until her return to the drug testing pool last year. The American has been training intensively in Florida, working with world No 79 Alycia Parks, who posted a video of them hitting together in March.
Naomi Osaka, who met Williams at the Met Gala earlier this month, expressed excitement at the prospect of her idol returning to the court. 'I don't really care about the tennis,' Osaka said. 'I think it's good for me. I'll be very entertained. But overall, I think it will bring people to watch tennis, which she always does.'
Madison Keys, the world No 19, also welcomed the news. 'Serena Williams playing tennis is only good for tennis,' Keys said. 'We all want to watch Serena. 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.'
