23-time Grand Slam champion marks comeback with doubles victory alongside Victoria Mboko in London.
Serena Williams marked her long-awaited return to competitive tennis with a victory at the Queen’s Club Championship in London on Tuesday, winning her first match in nearly four years.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion teamed up with 19-year-old Canadian player Victoria Mboko in a doubles match, where they defeated Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2.
The match marked Williams’ first competitive appearance since stepping away from professional tennis following the US Open in September 2022.
Strong return on grass courts
Williams, 44, appeared sharp and confident on the grass surface, delivering a powerful performance that included a 113 mph ace and aggressive net play throughout the match.
The Queen’s Club crowd gave her a warm reception as she entered the court wearing a light-pink Nike warm-up jacket and tennis outfit, signalling her return to one of tennis’ most prestigious surfaces ahead of Wimbledon.
Her family, including husband Alexis Ohanian and daughters Olympia and Adira, watched from the stands, alongside Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn.
Signs of competitive intent remain
Despite her extended break from the sport, Williams showed little sign of rust and looked comfortable in high-pressure moments during the tightly contested first set.
The Queen’s Club Championship serves as a traditional warm-up event for Wimbledon, and Williams is scheduled to compete next at the Berlin Tennis Open beginning June 15, where she will also feature in doubles.
Her partner for the Berlin event has yet to be confirmed.
Singles return not ruled out
Speaking before her comeback, Williams suggested that a return to singles competition remains a possibility, depending on her preparation.
“I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles,” she said, adding that her comeback is not driven by external pressure or expectations.
“I don’t need to win. I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives,” she noted, emphasising that she is focused on enjoying the game rather than chasing records.
A new phase in a legendary career
Williams officially stepped away from professional tennis after the US Open in 2022, describing her departure as an evolution rather than retirement.
Since then, she has expanded her personal and professional pursuits, including family life and fitness goals, while remaining one of the most influential figures in global sport.
Her return to competitive action suggests that while her priorities may have shifted, her competitive edge remains firmly intact, setting the stage for further appearances in the coming weeks.
