Making comeback at 44, Serena Williams sees no pressure to win

At 44 years old, Serena Williams is making a return to professional tennis, participating in the Queen's Club Championships this week. This marks her first competition in nearly four years, and she is partnering with 25-years-younger Canadian player Victoria Mboko in doubles.

Williams, a 23-time major champion, has stated that winning is not her primary objective. She believes that the opportunity to compete again is a reward in itself. "I don’t need to win. I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives," Williams said. "It’s important that I keep reminding myself of that because I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t have anything to lose. And everything here is just a gain."

Her decision to return was influenced by conversations about having fun and trying something different. Williams has not yet decided if she will compete in singles. Her doubles partner, Mboko, who grew up idolizing Williams, expressed confidence in her ability to regain her form.

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I don’t need to win. I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives. It’s important that I keep reminding myself of that because I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t have anything to lose. And everything here is just a gain.

Mboko commented, "She could probably take years off and when she steps on the court she could probably find that rhythm again and find her timing. So, I think that’s really a God-given gift she has. She’s ready to go."

Williams and Mboko are set to face the third-seeded American Nicole Melichar-Martinez and New Zealand's Erin Routliffe in their opening doubles match on Tuesday.

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She could probably take years off and when she steps on the court she could probably find that rhythm again and find her timing. So, I think that’s really a God-given gift she has. She’s ready to go.