Serena Williams makes winning return to court at Queen's

Serena Williams has electrified the atmosphere at Queen's Club with a triumphant return to competitive tennis, marking her first match in nearly four years. The 44-year-old tennis icon, a mother of two, accepted a wildcard to play doubles alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the grass-court WTA event. Her reappearance on a London lawn had been highly anticipated since she announced her participation last week.

Williams did not disappoint, demonstrating remarkable form with minimal signs of rust. She showcased her trademark firepower and tenacious fighting spirit as she and Mboko defeated third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (7/2), 6-2. "It was so much fun, it felt so natural playing with Vicky," a jubilant Williams said on court after the match. "I guess I've got nothing better to do, I'm tired of sitting at home, my kids are out of school this summer, so why not?"

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It was so much fun, it felt so natural playing with Vicky. I guess I've got nothing better to do, I'm tired of sitting at home, my kids are out of school this summer, so why not?

Widely regarded as the greatest female player of all time, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles and a record 319 weeks as world number one, Williams had never officially retired. She had previously stated she was "evolving" away from tennis. However, after her emotional farewell at the US Open in September 2022, many believed her return was unlikely. Yet, she stepped onto the pristine grass of the Andy Murray Arena in front of a packed stand, looking every bit the champion.

Williams's focus was evident from her warm-up routines. The crowd, filling every seat and spilling onto the members' balcony, roared "Let's go, Serena" as she unleashed powerful shots, including a blistering 120 mph serve. The chemistry between Williams, who had already won major titles before Mboko was born, and the 19-year-old was palpable. "She was moving great," Mboko commented. "There was one shot she hit and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, she's got it.'" The pair went on to secure a comfortable win in the second set, marking Williams's 1,051st career Tour-level victory.

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She was moving great. There was one shot she hit and I was like, 'Oh my gosh, she's got it.'