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After Almost Four Years Away from Tennis, Serena Williams is Set to Return To The Court

June 9, 2026

Tennis legend Serena Williams will return to competitive tennis after nearly four years away, playing doubles at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club in London beginning June 6. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, now 44 years old, last competed at the 2022 US Open when she said she was "evolving away from tennis" rather than officially retiring. Her comeback became possible after she registered with the International Tennis Integrity Agency's testing pool in October 2025, satisfying the required six-month notice and testing period for returning players.

Who is affected

  • Serena Williams (44-year-old tennis player returning to competition)
  • Victoria Mboko (19-year-old doubles partner)
  • Fans attending the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club
  • Tournament organizers at Queen's Club and the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA)
  • Laura Robson (WTA tournament director)
  • Other competitors in the doubles draw at the HSBC Championships

What action is being taken

  • Queen's Club has granted Serena Williams a wild card entry into the doubles draw
  • Williams is registered in the International Tennis Integrity Agency's testing pool and has been making herself available for drug testing
  • The HSBC Championships are scheduled to start with women's qualifying on June 6, with the main draw beginning June 8

Why it matters

  • Serena Williams is considered one of the greatest athletes in history and has dominated women's tennis with 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Her return to competition after nearly four years brings a legendary figure back to the sport at age 44, creating significant excitement for fans and the tournament. The grass-court event at Queen's Club, where she's making her comeback, serves as preparation for Wimbledon—a venue where Williams has historically excelled with 14 career titles. Her return also provides inspiration and generates substantial attention for women's tennis.

What's next

  • Women's qualifying at the HSBC Championships begins June 6 in London
  • The women's main draw starts on June 8
  • Williams will compete in the doubles tournament with Victoria Mboko as her partner
  • It remains unclear whether Williams will participate in Wimbledon this year

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint