Serena Williams to Make First Tournament Appearance Since 2022

Serena Williams is getting ready to return to a professional tennis court for the first time since the 2022 US Open. This marks one of the most-awaited comebacks in modern sports.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wildcard entry into the women’s doubles draw at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London, set for June 8 to 14, 2026. This tournament, a WTA 500 grass-court event, serves as a significant warm-up before Wimbledon. Williams will partner with rising Canadian player Victoria Mboko.

At 44, Williams is coming back to competition after nearly four years off the WTA Tour. Her last professional match was at the 2022 US Open, where she thrilled fans with a memorable performance before losing to Ajla Tomljanović in the third round. After that tournament, Williams described her exit from tennis as an evolution away from the sport, not a traditional retirement.

One of the most influential athletes in sports history is ready to start a new chapter.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams said in a statement before the event. She mentioned that grass courts have provided some of the most meaningful moments of her career.

The venue choice is especially significant. Williams won seven Wimbledon singles titles and left a mark on grass that helped shape an era in women’s tennis. Her return to this surface raises speculation about a possible appearance at Wimbledon later this summer, though no singles plans have been officially confirmed.

Williams’ comeback has generated excitement over the past few months. Late in 2025, she rejoined the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s anti-doping testing pool, a required step for any player returning to professional competition. This move led to widespread discussions in the tennis community about whether the American legend was gearing up for another tour.

Her doubles partner, 19-year-old Victoria Mboko, represents an exciting new talent in women’s tennis. This pairing brings together two generations of the sport—one of its greatest champions and one of its rising stars.

Williams’ achievements are unmatched by most of her peers. In addition to her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, she won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, many alongside her sister, Venus Williams. Her impact goes far beyond numbers. She changed women’s tennis with her athleticism, longevity, competitive spirit, and cultural influence.

WTA Ventures CEO Valerie Camillo celebrated the news, calling Williams “one of the greatest athletes of all time.” Tournament director Laura Robson also acknowledged the importance of this moment, noting that the sport is welcoming back one of its key figures.

For tennis fans, the appearance at Queen’s Club is more than a comeback. It represents the return of a player whose career helped transform the sport and inspire generations of athletes around the world.

Whether this is a brief return or the start of a longer competitive journey, Serena Williams’ presence will ensure all eyes are on London next week. One of sports’ greatest champions is back on the court, and tennis is richer for it.