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Serena Williams is doing the unthinkable and returning to professional tennis at the age of 44 after nearly four years away from the game.
She announced on Monday that she will enter the grass court doubles tournament at Queen’s – which ends eight days before Wimbledon – playing 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, sparking speculation about what might be next for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
So, why is he returning now? Can he play singles and doubles? Has anyone ever done this before? And – the million dollar question – will he play Wimbledon?
here What we know so far…
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With Serena Williams announcing her return to tennis, we take a look back at her last professional match which was a tough one to Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open.
Why is Williams coming back now?
Williams will return to tennis after nearly four years out
Williams ended — or paused — her professional career in 2022 after being knocked out in the third round of the US Open by Ajla Tomljanovic in a match that brought to a halt perhaps the greatest career in women’s tennis history.
In the years since, the American has welcomed the birth of her second child, created her own venture capital company and left her racket untouched since September 2023 — that is, until she posted a video of her performing on TikTok in February, sparking rumors of a comeback.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion hasn’t officially retired though. He expressed his desire to “evolve away” from the sport in his initial announcement and, having prioritized his personal life, perhaps feels it’s time to return before age prevents him from doing so.
A reasonable motivating factor would appear to be silverware.
Williams’ impressive record stands at 23 Grand Slam singles titles, just one behind Novak Djokovic and Margaret Court on 24, and she has previously spoken of her desire to take that number before stepping down.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want (court) records,” Williams said enjoying In 2022.
“The way I see it, I should have had a Grand Slam over 30. I had a chance after I came back after giving birth.
“Should have, Chyla, Cana. I haven’t shown up the way I should have or should have. But I’ve shown up 23 times, and that’s okay. Actually, that’s awesome.”
A 24th title would take Williams’ career from the realm of the extraordinary to the almost completely unknown – and her return to tennis gives her the chance to do just that.
Who are his potential double partners?
Canada’s Victoria Mboko will be Williams’ doubles partner at Queen’s Club
Williams will team up with Mboko at Queen’s, forming a formidable partnership featuring a 26-year age gap. Williams won her first Grand Slam title in 1999, seven years before Mboko was born.
Mboko is currently ranked world No. 9 at just 19 years old, has already won two singles titles on the WTA Tour and is one of the most exciting rising stars in women’s tennis.
“I’m very happy. Me and Serena stay in touch, which is really, really nice, because I really look up to her,” he said at the French Open.
Venus Williams is still active on the women’s tour
“I think, for me, I want to let the moment be for him. I think if he’s ready to come back on his own terms, then I think it’s up to him to make the announcement.”
The potential doubles partner who could make more headlines, though, would be Serena’s sister Venus Williams, who at 46 is still active on the WTA Tour.
The two are the most decorated doubles duo in tennis history, boasting 14 Grand Slam titles, including six at Wimbledon, and are one of the few duos to hold four Grand Slam doubles titles together in 2009/10 – a potential reunion makes for a mouth-watering prospect for tennis fans around the world.
Could be a single back card?
Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles
Given his appetite, it’s reasonable to assume that Williams could at least attempt a singles comeback and see where his game is.
The extra physicality required in singles compared to doubles is perhaps the biggest problem for Williams given her age and inactivity compared to the top players on the WTA Tour.
However, tennis players usually maintain their ball-striking and if Williams can rediscover the aggression that made her so dangerous there is no reason she can’t be competitive and maybe even win a few Grand Slams.
“Serena Williams is the GOAT and she expects to play and win every match,” John McEnroe said on TNT Sports of her return.
“Even after he was a (first) kid he was upset that he wasn’t winning majors. If he comes back, he won’t come back because he’s happy to play and it’s fun.
“She wants to win another major, that’s the only reason I can think of that Serena Williams would want to play tennis again, not just go out and play. She can do that anytime.”
Will he play Wimbledon?
Williams holds the trophy after winning the Wimbledon women’s singles final in 2015
After Williams’ announcement, the question on everyone’s lips was whether she would follow up her appearance at Queen’s at Wimbledon – the grass-court mainstay that many see as the crown jewel of the tennis calendar.
He is no stranger to competition. In addition to his six doubles titles at the tournament, he reached 11 singles finals, winning seven. It is difficult to pass over the possibility of her appearance in the Queen’s function as a harbinger of a return to the center court.
“If he’s going to play at Queen’s, you’d think he’d be motivated to get ready for Wimbledon,” former British No 1 Tim Henman told Sky Sports.
“I don’t know if he will play singles. The wild card meeting for Wimbledon is June 15.”
A return to Wimbledon – whether singles or doubles – will likely put Serena Williams in top shape for her home major, the US Open, live on Sky.
It’s hard to imagine the American missing out on a record-tying major title win on home soil – and a trip to Wimbledon could do just that.
Has anyone returned this late in their career?
Martina Navratilova has won 18 Grand Slam titles in singles, 31 in women’s doubles and 10 in mixed doubles.
Many female tennis players have returned after giving birth but very few have returned in their 40s.
An exception is another tennis legend – Martina Navratilova – who returned to compete primarily in doubles in 2000 at the age of 43 after nearly four years out of the sport.
Navratilova won three mixed doubles Grand Slam titles in her 40s – the last coming just a month before her 50th birthday.m Birthday at the 2006 US Open.
Williams has proven he has the pedigree to bounce back from long spells before him. She reached five Grand Slam finals after giving birth, and losing those finals seems to have encouraged her to return to the sport.
Williams enters the final dance of her career – whether it will lead to one last title remains to be seen.
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