Serena Williams Returns to Tennis for Doubles at Queen's Club
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Serena Williams is returning to competitive tennis after nearly four years away, accepting a wild card to play doubles at the HSBC Championship at The Queen's Club in London. The 44-year-old, 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will partner with a player to be announced. The tournament begins on June 8 and serves as a warm-up for Wimbledon.
Facts First
- Serena Williams is returning to professional tennis after nearly four years away from the sport.
- She will play doubles at the HSBC Championship, a WTA 500 grass-court event at The Queen's Club in London.
- Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and a former world No. 1 for over six years.
- The tournament begins on June 8 and is a traditional warm-up event for Wimbledon.
- Williams became eligible to compete in February after re-registering with the mandatory anti-doping program.
What Happened
The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) announced that Serena Williams has accepted a wild card invitation to play doubles at the upcoming HSBC Championship at The Queen's Club in London. The tournament, a WTA 500 event on grass, begins on June 8. Williams 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, though at that time she publicly stated she was 'NOT coming back.'
Why this Matters to You
If you're a tennis fan, you will have the opportunity to see one of the sport's greatest champions back in action, which could make the upcoming grass-court season more compelling to watch. Her return as a 44-year-old mother of two may also inspire a broader conversation about longevity and motherhood in professional sports.
What's Next
The tournament starts on June 8, where Williams will play with a partner to be announced. The HSBC Championship is routinely used as a warm-up for Wimbledon, which starts on June 28, so her performance there could indicate her readiness for the Grand Slam. Whether this doubles appearance leads to further competitive play is unclear.