Serena Williams returns to tennis after nearly four years with doubles win

Tennis icon Serena Williams has made her much-anticipated return to the professional circuit, playing her first official match in nearly four years. Her last appearance was on September 2, 2022, at the US Open. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, alongside her sister Venus, reappeared on the grass courts of Queen's Club in London.

Williams teamed up with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko for a doubles match. The pair achieved immediate success, defeating American Nicole Melichar-Martinez and New Zealander Erin Routliffe 7-6, 6-2 in the first round on the main court. The victory was met with smiles and mutual congratulations, signaling a promising start to their partnership.

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Queen’s Club seems like the perfect place to start this new chapter. The grass has given me some of the most significant moments of my career, and I am excited to compete again on one of the most iconic stages in the sport.

Williams expressed her excitement about returning to competition at Queen's, calling it the perfect venue for her comeback. She noted that grass courts have provided some of the most significant moments of her career. She received a wildcard invitation to play in the tournament, and is also scheduled to compete in the WTA event in Berlin next week.

Her husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughters, Alexis Olympia and Adira River, were present in the stands to support her. While Williams has not definitively ruled out a return to singles play, she indicated that it would require more training. She remains open to the possibility but stated that if it doesn't happen, it is simply not her path.

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I can’t say yes, I can’t say no. For now it’s no. I feel like I probably have to train a little more if I want to play singles. We’ll see if I can do it. And if I can’t, then it’s not my path.