Serena Williams enjoyed a successful return to competitive tennis after nearly four years away from the sport, helping secure a straight-sets doubles victory at the Queen’s Club in London.
The 44-year-old former world number one partnered Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to defeat third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 in front of a packed crowd at the Andy Murray Arena.
The victory marked Williams’ first competitive match win since the 2022 US Open, ending a 1,375-day absence from professional tennis.
“It was so fun,” Williams said after the match. “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 stepped away from tennis in 2022 after winning 23 Grand Slam singles titles, said part of the motivation for her return was the opportunity to play at Queen’s Club, where women’s events had previously not been held during 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 legend was watched from the stands by her daughters, Olympia and Adira, as she displayed flashes of the form that made her one of the greatest players in tennis history. Her powerful groundstrokes and trademark serve drew loud cheers from the crowd, including a 120mph delivery that highlighted her enduring quality.
Although Williams admitted there were signs of rust after such a lengthy absence, she remained upbeat about her performance and future prospects.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion declined to commit to further appearances, including a possible Wimbledon return, saying she would take things “a day at a time.”
Williams and Mboko will continue their campaign later this week when they face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the second round.
Her successful comeback has reignited speculation about whether one of tennis’ most decorated champions could extend her return beyond doubles competition.
Erizia Rubyjeana
