Serena Williams is stepping back onto the tennis court, ending her nearly four-year retirement. This month, the 44-year-old tennis legend will participate in the HSBC Championships in London. Williams announced her excitement to compete again at such a notable event.
Williams will enter the tournament as a wild card in the doubles bracket, starting June 8. The Tennis Channel describes her return as a significant moment for the sport.
Despite her return, Williams has not committed to a full-time tennis schedule. She believes this WTA 500 event is a fitting way to begin a new phase of her career. The HSBC Championships take place on the grass courts of The Queen’s Club, traditionally a preparatory event for Wimbledon, which occurs later in June.
When Williams competes in London, she will stand out as a wild card entrant with a history of over six years as a WTA World No. 1. Her achievements include 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the highest among women in the Open era, and several Olympic medals.
Reports of Williams’ anticipated return followed her re-entry into tennis’ anti-doping system, managed by the International Tennis Integrity Agency. Earlier declarations from Williams suggested she was not planning a comeback, yet her recent actions indicate otherwise.
Williams joins a group of nine former No. 1 women’s singles players on the WTA Tour who have returned to the sport after motherhood, as noted by the WTA.
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