Serena Williams confirms Wimbledon singles return at age 44
Serena Williams will make a sensational return to singles competition at Wimbledon, nearly four years after what was believed to be her final match at the 2022 US Open. The 44-year-old tennis icon has accepted the remaining ladies singles wildcard for the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam, organisers confirmed on Sunday.
Williams recently made a comeback in doubles at London's Queen's Club, but her decision to enter the singles draw has sent shockwaves through the tennis world. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion last played a singles match at the 2022 US Open, where she lost in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic in what many assumed was her farewell to the sport.
Wildcard secured after Queen's Club doubles appearance
The All England Club announced that Williams accepted the final wildcard spot for the women's singles draw, which begins on July 3. Her participation marks the first time she will compete in singles at Wimbledon since 2021, when she suffered a first-round retirement due to injury.
Williams' return to competitive tennis began earlier this month at Queen's Club, where she partnered with British star Harriet Dart in the doubles event. The pair reached the quarter-finals before losing to the eventual champions. That performance convinced Williams to extend her comeback to singles.
Historic return for tennis legend
At 44, Williams will be the oldest woman to compete in the Wimbledon singles draw in the Open Era. The previous record was held by Martina Navratilova, who played at Wimbledon at age 47 in 2004. Williams, who won her first Wimbledon title in 2002 at age 20, has claimed seven singles titles at the All England Club, the most recent in 2016.
According to a statement from Williams' team: "Serena has been training hard and feels ready to compete again. She is excited to return to Wimbledon and give it her all." The wildcard allocation was confirmed by Wimbledon officials, who noted Williams' exceptional career and popularity as factors in the decision.
Impact on the draw and tournament buzz
Williams' entry is expected to boost ticket sales and television ratings for the tournament, which already enjoys high global interest. Bookmakers have already adjusted odds, with Williams listed as a 50-1 outsider to win the title. Her first-round opponent will be determined in the draw scheduled for June 28.
The news has generated widespread excitement among fans and former players. Tennis legend Billie Jean King tweeted: "Serena Williams returning to Wimbledon singles is a gift to tennis. She continues to inspire us all."
Williams' last appearance in a Grand Slam final was at Wimbledon in 2019, where she lost to Simona Halep. Her overall Grand Slam singles titles tally of 23 is the most by any player in the Open Era, second only to Margaret Court's all-time record of 24.
