Serena Williams Makes Doubles Return at Queen’s Club After Four-Year Hiatus
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, is set to make her competitive return at the HSBC Championships (Queen’s Club) in London, marking her first match in nearly four years. The 44-year-old American will partner with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the doubles event, which begins on June 8, 2026. Williams, who last played at the U.S. Open in 2022, described her comeback as a personal milestone driven by her family rather than professional ambition.
“I’ve had enough pressure. It’s really about my kids getting to see me play,” Williams said, referencing her daughters, Olympia (8) and Adira (born in 2023). “It’s also that being an athlete is the best thing that you can be in the highest place.”
Opponents and Tournament Context
Williams and Mboko will face No. 3 seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in the opening round. Melichar-Martinez, a 19-time WTA doubles title winner, and Routliffe, a former doubles World No. 1, are making their first tournament appearance as a team. The HSBC Championships, a WTA 500 event on grass, serves as a preparation for Wimbledon, where Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles.
“Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages,” Williams stated, per USA Today.
Motivation and Future Plans
Williams emphasized she has “nothing to prove” in her return, highlighting her focus on personal fulfillment over competition. While she has not ruled out a future singles comeback, she acknowledged the need for additional training.
“I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles and we’ll see if I get there,” she said. “If not, that’s not my journey right now.”
Legacy and Career Context
Williams, who retired from singles in 2022, holds the record for most prize money in women’s tennis ($94.8 million) and has 73 singles titles. Her doubles career includes 23 titles, with three Olympic gold medals. The Queen’s Club event will be her first professional doubles appearance since the 2022 French Open.
“Having an opportunity to still be able to possibly do that one last time is kind of cool and exciting,” Williams added, per WTA.
What’s Next for Williams?
While Williams has not confirmed participation in Wimbledon, her presence at Queen’s Club underscores her continued connection to the sport. The tournament, running through June 21, features a strong singles field including Elena Rybakina and Amanda Anisimova.
Williams’ return has reignited discussions about her legacy, with fans and analysts alike eager to see how she adapts to modern tennis. As she steps onto the court, her focus remains on family, joy, and the “opportunity to still be able to play.”