Read, Digital Desk : Nearly four years after playing her last singles tournament at the 2022 U.S. Open, tennis legend Serena Williams has announced her return to the sport that has been her dominion for over 20 years. Williams holds the Open era record for the most Women’s singles Grand Slams, with 23 singles titles in her career.
She never officially announced her retirement from tennis however, and, having indicated that the 2022 U.S. Open might be her final tournament, revealed her plans to “evolve away from tennis” and chose not to use the word “retirement”. At 44-years old with two children, Williams lost in the third round at Flushing Meadows that year, and will now make her return to the sport, beginning with a doubles event at Queen’s Club.
“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams stated. “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.”
Will Serena compete at Wimbledon
Queen’s Club, taking place on grass, will be played from June 8 to June 21 and will serve as a dress-rehearsal for Wimbledon, beginning on June 29. Serena may receive a wild-card entry to the tournament, for either singles or doubles play depending on her preferences.
A return to the U.S. Open could also be on the cards if she decides to continue playing for longer than a few months, and former World No. 1 Lindsay Davenport believes she might target New York again. “It seems like she’s trying to work her way up, maybe to the U.S. Open, and those fans would be so ready to see her back on a singles court there,” said Davenport.
Sabalenka eager to play against Serena
Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka expressed her excitement and is willing to play against the legend herself. “She’s a legend. It’s inspiring to see,” said top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka. “I’m excited to see her play and probably face her. It’s very good news for tennis.”
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