Serena Williams, 44, announces return to professional tennis

Tennis icon Serena Williams is making a comeback to the professional circuit at the age of 44, with plans to compete in doubles at the Queen's Club Championships. The American star, who officially retired from tennis in 2022, has signaled her return by entering the mandatory anti-doping program earlier this year.

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Queen's Club seems like the perfect place to start my next chapter with tennis.

Williams expressed her enthusiasm for returning to the court, particularly on grass. "Queen's Club seems like the perfect place to start my next chapter with tennis," she stated. She added, "The grass court has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I am excited to return to compete on one of the most iconic stages of the sport."

The Queen's Club Championships are scheduled to begin next Monday. The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) has indicated that Williams's doubles partner will be revealed soon. The news of her return has already sparked speculation, with tennis legend John McEnroe predicting that Williams might even set her sights on the singles competition at Wimbledon, which commences on June 28.

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The grass court has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I am excited to return to compete on one of the most iconic stages of the sport.

McEnroe commented on Williams's potential, noting, "She is no longer young, but she is Serena Williams, so I am sure she will tell me about wanting to win the whole tournament." Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, had previously stated she was "evolving" away from tennis rather than retiring, leaving the door open for a potential return.

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She is no longer young, but she is Serena Williams, so I am sure she will tell me about wanting to win the whole tournament.