Serena Williams is back. Her return to tennis is happening.
Williams, 44, confirmed on Monday that she will make her comeback to professional tennis — starting at next week’s HSBC Championships taking place at The Queen’s Club in London.
“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams said through an official tournament announcement. “Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.”
The 23-time Grand Slam champion also posted a Nike-inspired video on social, which included, “Guess everybody heard the news.”
Williams has accepted a main-draw doubles wild card into Queen’s Club. Although her partner has not yet been officially announced, it is widely reported to be rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko.
It remains to be seen when, where, and if Williams will return to singles — or what her plans are for Wimbledon. The season’s third Grand Slam gets underway at the All-England Club in London on June 28.
Williams initially retired from tennis at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she reached the third round before falling to Ajla Tomljanovic.