Serena Williams will return to professional tennis in the WTA 500 women’s doubles tournament at Queen’s, which will be played between June 8 and 14, organizers announced this Monday (1st).
At 44, Serena has not played since being eliminated in the third round of the 2022 US Open.
“Good news spreads quickly,” the American, winner of 23 Grand Slams in singles, posted on social media.
Her possible return had been considered since December last year, when it came to light that she had signed up for the anti-doping program, a prerequisite for being able to return to playing on the circuit.
At the time, Serena denied that she was planning to return and posted on social media: “I’m not going back. This repercussion is crazy.”
However, she received an invitation to the women’s doubles draw at the WTA 500 at Queen’s in London. According to the press, she will play alongside young Canadian Victoria Mboko.
“The Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this new chapter,” said seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena.
“Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career and I’m excited to return to compete on one of the sport’s most iconic stages,” she added.
“Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we are thrilled to have her return to tennis,” said tournament director Laura Robson.
In 2022, Serena said she did not want to use the word “retired” and explained that she was “evolving” by moving away from tennis.
