Serena’s comeback 'inspiring to see,’ says Sabalenka

Serena Williams confirmed her return to tennis after an absence of nearly four years, with the American great set to compete in women’s doubles at Queen’s Club next week.

The 44-year-old, who has not played competitively since the 2022 US Open, has been granted a wild card for the grasscourt London tournament, which starts on Monday. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will reportedly play alongside Canadian Victoria Mboko.

Rumors have swirled in recent months that the former world number one was on the verge of a return and Monday’s confirmation sent the tennis world into a frenzy.

Williams shared a video on social media of herself on a tennis court containing the caption: “Guess everybody heard the news,” with her phone buzzing repeatedly in the background.

A post from the seven-time Wimbledon champion alongside the video said: “Good news travels fast.”

Williams’ imminent return has been touted since it was revealed in December she had re-entered the anti-doping program –  a prerequisite to play on the tour again.

Current number one Aryna Sabalenka said it was “very good news for tennis.”
“It’s inspiring to see,” the Belarusian said in Paris, where she beat Naomi Osaka 7-5 ,6-3 to reach the French Open quarter-finals. “I’m actually excited to see her play and probably face her, so it’s very cool.”

Retired great Martina Navratilova, who launched a comeback at 43, hailed Williams for “pushing the boundaries and coming back.”

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗔𝗽𝗽 ↓