Serena Williams is poised to make a return to professional tennis after nearly four years away from the sport. According to Sports Illustrated's Jon Wertheim, who spoke on the Served Podcast with Andy Roddick, the 44-year-old tennis icon has requested a wildcard to compete at the Queen's Club Championships. She plans to partner with 19-year-old Canadian player Vicky Mboko during the grass-court season.
Details of the Comeback
The report emerged during an appearance by Wertheim on the podcast, where he disclosed that Williams has been preparing for a return and specifically targeted the Queen's Club event. Mboko, who is currently competing at Roland Garros, was asked about her relationship with Williams following her second-round win in Paris. The young Canadian expressed excitement at the prospect of playing alongside one of the greatest players in tennis history.
Grass-Court Season Plans
Williams' return is expected to be a significant highlight of the grass-court season, which includes prestigious tournaments leading up to Wimbledon. The Queen's Club Championships, held in London, serve as a traditional warm-up for Wimbledon and attract top players from around the world. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, has a strong history on grass, having won Wimbledon seven times.
The tennis world has been abuzz with speculation about Williams' potential return since she stepped away from the sport in 2022. Her last competitive match was at the 2022 US Open, where she played in what was widely considered her farewell tournament. However, recent hints and now this confirmed report suggest that Williams is not done with competitive tennis.
Vicky Mboko, ranked among the rising stars in women's tennis, has shown promise on the WTA Tour. Partnering with Williams at Queen's could provide her with invaluable experience and exposure. The duo's pairing is likely to draw significant attention, given Williams' legendary status and Mboko's emerging talent.
As the grass-court season approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Williams performs after her extended hiatus. Her return adds an extra layer of excitement to the already anticipated summer tennis calendar.
