SERENA WILLIAMS RETURNS TO TENNIS

Tennis icon Serena Williams has confirmed her return to professional tennis, nearly four years after stepping away from competitive action.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion announced on Monday that she will compete in the women’s doubles event at the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships in London later this month.

Williams, now 44, has not played a professional match since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open, a tournament widely viewed as her farewell appearance.

The former world number one revealed the news through a social media post accompanied by a video showing her back on court in training. 

Speculation about a possible comeback had intensified in recent months after it emerged that Williams had re-entered the sport’s anti-doping programme, a key requirement for players intending to return to competition.

The American is expected to partner rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko in the doubles event.

Speaking on her return, Williams described Queen’s Club as the ideal venue to begin a fresh chapter in her remarkable career.

She noted that grass courts had provided some of the most memorable moments of her tennis journey, including her seven Wimbledon singles titles.

Tournament organizers welcomed the development, describing Williams as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history.

Her return is expected to generate significant excitement ahead of the tournament, with fans eager to witness one of tennis’ most decorated champions back in action.

Williams remains the most successful female player of the Open Era with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, second only to Margaret Court in the all-time women’s standings.