Serena Williams, a tennis legend, took a step back from her illustrious career in September 2022. Although she never fully dismissed the idea of a return, she stayed away from professional tennis for almost four years. That changed when Williams, along with Nike, declared her comeback. She will take part in the doubles event at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London from June 8 to 14.
At 44, Williams shared her reasons for her return to the beloved sport. She expressed that Queen’s Club felt like an ideal spot to start this new phase in her career. “Grass has provided me with some of the most memorable experiences of my career, and I’m eager to compete again on such a storied stage,” Williams stated in her announcement.
Williams never quite embraced the idea of traditional retirement. In 2022, when she stepped away, she was honest about her feelings. “I won’t sugarcoat this,” Williams wrote. “Many people look forward to retiring, and I wish I felt that way.” Her priorities shifted towards family life, something she has achieved with her husband, Alexis Ohanian. They welcomed their first child in 2017 and their second in 2023.
Despite her time away, Williams’ competitiveness remained strong. Her return to the WTA Tour is a testament to that drive. The WTA celebrated her comeback warmly. Valerie Camillo, WTA chair, remarked, “Serena is one of the greatest athletes ever, with a legacy reaching beyond tennis. Her return highlights her passion for competition against the new generation of players.”
Camillo added, “Serena is more than a champion. She’s an entrepreneur, a strong advocate for important causes, and one of the world’s most iconic figures. We are thrilled to welcome her back to the WTA Tour during this exciting time for women’s tennis.”
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