Roddick predicts Williams singles return amid Queen’s Club wildcard report
Andy Roddick argues that Serena Williams’ reported pursuit of a doubles wildcard at Queen’s Club is likely a precursor to a singles campaign at Wimbledon, describing a successful comeback as capturing “lightning in a bottle”.
Former world number one Andy Roddick has suggested that Serena Williams’ rumoured return to professional tennis may extend beyond a reported doubles appearance at the Queen’s Club tournament. Williams, 44, is understood to have sought a wildcard entry for the London event to play alongside 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, marking her first competitive appearance since her last professional match four years ago.
Speaking on his podcast, Roddick cited Williams’ re-entry into the tour’s drug-testing pool last August as a significant indicator of serious intent. He argued that engaging with doping protocols suggests a player is actively considering a return, driven by a combination of emotion, champion’s mentality, and the lingering “what if” scenario that often accompanies retirement.
Roddick predicted that Williams would likely compete in singles, identifying grass courts at Wimbledon as her best opportunity for success. He noted that while her physical speed may have changed, her current condition appears strong. However, he cautioned that a successful comeback would be akin to capturing “lightning in a bottle”, acknowledging the immense difficulty of returning to elite form after such a prolonged absence.
The former major champion also highlighted the potential influence of her sister, Venus Williams, who remains active in the sport. Roddick suggested that a doubles run, potentially towards the US Open, could serve as a motivating factor, though he maintained that Williams’ primary intent appears to be a singles campaign. He expressed surprise if she were to skip Wimbledon in singles, stating that a return would be incomplete without competing on her best surface.
Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in history, holds 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most of any women’s player in the Open Era. She is a seven-time singles champion at Wimbledon and has secured multiple titles across all four Grand Slam tournaments in both singles and doubles, often alongside her sister. Her last professional match was a third-round loss at the US Open four years ago.
As speculation grows regarding her potential return, Roddick admitted he would be more surprised if she did not come back to conclude her career. He stated he wants to see Williams return to the court, describing the prospect as “unbelievable”, while noting that her current form and physical capabilities remain subjects of uncertainty.
