Serena Williams to make WTA comeback at Queen’s after wildcard entry
Serena Williams is set for a high-profile return to the WTA Tour, having been granted a wildcard entry to Queen’s.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who hasn’t played since the 2022 US Open, will be teaming up with rising WTA star Victoria Mboko in doubles.
Although she is already viewed as one of the greatest players ever, Williams clearly feels there’s more she can offer the sport at 44.
Tennis fans won’t be the only ones excited about her comeback. Novak Djokovic has spoken warmly about her in the past, making his admiration clear back at the 2025 US Open.
Djokovic once called on Serena Williams to make her WTA return
Djokovic was competing in New York at the time, but away from the court, he spoke about Williams’ involvement in inducting fellow tennis great Maria Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Asked if he was surprised to see the two former rivals coming together, Djokovic replied: “Yeah, it was.”
“It was surprising, but a very nice gesture from Serena to be there for Maria. They had some really intense rivalries and incredible matches over the years.
“But they said it, they were honest I think during their speeches. Serena I think mentioned that Maria or people probably think about Serena as one of the last people that would be there to introduce.
“But at the same time, as she said in her speech, which I think she beautifully, eloquently explained, that people thought that they are miles apart in their differences, but they were actually very much the same in terms of they wanted the same thing and competed on the same tour for so many years.
“No, it was great. It was great. It was a wonderful moment, and I think Maria deserves it. Obviously incredible champion and an icon off the court as well with her brand and everything she has built over the years.
“Of course, seeing Serena in any shape or form around tennis is great. You know, we miss her. She still hasn’t officially retired. So I invite her, I challenge her.
“Because she’s such a great competitor, when somebody challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena, come back on the tour next year.”
Serena Williams coming back is amazing for tennis
Williams’ return is significant in itself, but according to her former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, she’s “not coming back to be average.”
Even if she’s not at her peak, just seeing Williams compete again will be a big boost for tennis and its fans. She still has the skill and drive to remind everyone why she was such a force in her prime.
The fact that Williams was prepared to step away from it all but then found something deep within herself to return could also inspire others to get the most out of themselves.
This comeback also mirrors that of her older sister Venus, who returned to action last summer after more than a year away from the sport.
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