Serena Williams marked a remarkable return to competitive tennis with a straight-sets doubles victory at the Queen’s Club in London, ending nearly four years away from professional action.
The 44-year-old former world number one partnered Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to defeat the third-seeded pair of Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, in front of a packed crowd at the Andy Murray Arena.
The win represents Williams’ first match victory since the 2022 US Open, bringing an end to a 1,375-day absence from competitive tennis.
Speaking after the match, Williams said she thoroughly enjoyed her return to the court.
“It was so fun,” she said. “I had so much fun playing with Victoria. She was really able to hold up the team and play big on the big points.”
Williams, who retired from professional tennis in 2022 after an illustrious career that included 23 Grand Slam singles titles, said part of her motivation for returning was the opportunity to compete at Queen’s Club, a venue that did not host women’s events during much of her career.
“I never got to play here, it was always just the men. It feels really special to play somewhere so iconic,” she said.
The American icon was supported from the stands by her daughters, Olympia and Adira, as she showed glimpses of the power and precision that defined her dominance on the tour.
Her powerful baseline strokes and signature serve drew loud applause from spectators, including a 120mph delivery that underlined her enduring strength.
While acknowledging some rust after such a long break, Williams remained positive about her performance and did not rule out future appearances.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion declined to confirm whether she would return for singles or even compete at Wimbledon, stating she would take her decisions “a day at a time.”
Williams and Mboko are set to continue their campaign later this week against Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the second round.
Her comeback victory has reignited global speculation about whether one of tennis’ most decorated champions could extend her return beyond occasional doubles appearances.
