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Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback sparks global excitement
๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡น Austria /Sports

Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback sparks global excitement

From Die Presse · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Tennis legend Serena Williams is returning to Wimbledon at age 44, four years after her last professional match.
  • Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion and mother of two, will compete in both singles and doubles.
  • Her comeback is generating significant excitement, with fellow players and tennis icons like Boris Becker calling her a "superstar" crucial for the sport's popularity.

Wimbledon is buzzing with anticipation as tennis icon Serena Williams makes a remarkable comeback at the age of 44. After a four-year hiatus from professional tennis, the 23-time Grand Slam champion is set to compete in both singles and doubles at the prestigious tournament.

She is a legend. It is inspiring to see that.

โ€” Aryna SabalenkaWorld No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka on Serena Williams' comeback.

Williams, now a mother of two, is returning to the court where she has achieved seven singles titles. Her decision to play, even in singles, has elevated the already considerable interest in her return. This comeback is particularly poignant as she aims for her daughters, Olympia (8) and Adira (2), to witness her performances.

Her presence is widely seen as a major boost for the sport. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka described Williams as a "legend" and "inspiring." Tennis icon Boris Becker echoed this sentiment, calling her a "superstar" whose participation drives the sport's popularity. Becker speculated that her singles match could draw record television viewership, emphasizing the need for such "pulling horses" in tennis.

She is simply a true superstar and that's why our sport booms.

โ€” Boris BeckerTennis icon Boris Becker on Serena Williams' impact on the sport.

Organizers confirmed Williams' participation via a wildcard entry for the singles draw, meaning she did not need to qualify based on current rankings. The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus (46), had previously received a wildcard for the doubles competition. Williams herself stated that she has "nothing to prove" and that this moment is also for her daughters, wanting them to see her strength.

This moment is also for my daughters. I want them to see what a strong woman I am, who I am.

โ€” Serena WilliamsSerena Williams on her motivation for returning to professional tennis.

Williams' journey from a disadvantaged neighborhood in Los Angeles to global sports superstardom is a well-documented family saga. Her return to Wimbledon, a place of immense success for her, adds another chapter to her storied career, captivating fans and media alike.

I have nothing to prove.

โ€” Serena WilliamsSerena Williams on her mindset heading into her Wimbledon comeback.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Presse in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.