Serena Williams makes winning return to tennis at Queen's Club

Serena Williams made a triumphant return to the tennis court after a four-year hiatus, securing a doubles victory at the Queen's Club on Tuesday. The 44-year-old American legend, partnered with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, defeated third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 7-6 (7/2), 6-2.

Williams displayed her signature powerful serve and groundstrokes, delighting a packed crowd that included her family. Her return to competitive play, the first since the 2022 US Open, had raised questions about her ability to recapture past form after announcing she was "evolving away" from the sport. Despite signs of rust, her performance was characteristically combative.

"It was so fun. I had so much fun playing with Victoria," Williams said after the match. "I never got to play here before, it was always just the men. It feels really special to play somewhere so iconic. I had nothing better to do! I got tired of sitting at home. My kids are out of school for the summer, so why not?"

Williams, who is also set to compete in the doubles at the Berlin Open, has not won a Grand Slam singles title since 2017. While she has downplayed suggestions of a singles return at Wimbledon, her successful comeback at Queen's could fuel speculation about her participation in the prestigious tournament.

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It was so fun. I had so much fun playing with Victoria. I never got to play here before, it was always just the men. It feels really special to play somewhere so iconic. I had nothing better to do! I got tired of sitting at home. My kids are out of school for the summer, so why not?