Williams confirms return to professional tennis for HSBC Championships doubles
The Women’s Tennis Association has officially welcomed back the former world No. 1, marking the end of months of speculation following her re-entry into the drug-testing pool.
Serena Williams has officially confirmed her return to professional tennis, with the 44-year-old 23-time Grand Slam singles champion scheduled to compete in the doubles event at the HSBC Championships in London next week. The announcement follows a period of intense speculation, culminating in a social media tease from her longtime sponsor, Nike, and subsequent confirmation from the tournament organisers at Queen’s Club.
The former world No. 1 will partner with world No. 9 Victoria Mboko in the 500-level event. Williams described the Queen’s Club as the "perfect place to begin this next chapter," citing her history with grass courts. "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," Williams said in a statement released by the tournament.
The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) confirmed the return, with WTA chair Valerie Camillo issuing a statement that praised Williams’ legacy. Camillo described Williams as one of the greatest athletes of all time, noting that her return is an expression of her passion for competition. "I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players," Camillo said, adding that Williams is also a successful entrepreneur and a powerful advocate.
Williams’ return was preceded by months of public denial and subsequent training footage. In December, she explicitly denied rumours on X, stating, "Omg yall I'm NOT coming back." However, practice sessions with world No. 79 Alycia Parks in Florida, reported to occur up to three times a week, reignited speculation. This was further fuelled by Williams’ re-entry into the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s drug-testing pool, a mandatory requirement for active competition.
While current players such as Coco Gauff and Naomi Osaka have expressed excitement about the prospect of Williams returning to the tour, her partner Mboko declined to comment directly on the reports, stating it was up to Williams to announce her return on her own terms. Williams has not yet disclosed plans for further tournaments, and her agent, Jill Smoller, has not responded to requests for comment. Williams originally stepped away in August 2022, citing family reasons after the birth of her second child, though she has previously noted she hoped to emulate her sister Venus, who returned to the tour last year.
