Serena Williams Returns to Professional Tennis After Nearly Four-Year Absence
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Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis, accepting a wild card to play doubles at next week's Queen's Club grass-court tournament. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open and re-registered for the anti-doping program earlier this year. Her return marks a significant moment for the sport as the Wimbledon season approaches.
Facts First
- Serena Williams will return to professional tennis at the Queen's Club tournament starting next Monday.
- The 44-year-old has accepted a wild card to play doubles, with her partner to be announced.
- Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open.
- She became eligible to compete in February after re-registering with the mandatory anti-doping program.
- Williams has won seven singles titles at Wimbledon, which is scheduled to start on June 28.
What Happened
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Tour announced that Serena Williams has accepted a wild card invitation to play doubles at the upcoming Queen's Club grass-court tournament, which starts next Monday. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, last competed at the 2022 U.S. Open. She became eligible to compete in February after re-registering with the mandatory anti-doping program six months prior.
Why this Matters to You
If you're a tennis fan, you will have the opportunity to watch one of the sport's greatest champions compete again. Her return could bring renewed attention and excitement to the upcoming grass-court season, which culminates with Wimbledon. For Williams, this move may signal a new chapter in her career and life as a mother, following the birth of her second daughter in 2023.
What's Next
Williams will compete at the Queen's Club tournament next week, with her doubles partner to be announced. Her participation there could be a stepping stone toward a potential appearance at Wimbledon, which starts on June 28. The tennis world will be watching to see how her game has evolved after her extended break.