Serena Williams to Return to Tennis at HSBC Championships

Serena Williams, who left the tennis scene in September 2022, has announced her return to professional tennis. Partnering with Nike, Williams will compete in the doubles event at the HSBC Championships held at Queen’s Club in London from June 8 to June 14.

Williams, now 44, shared her reasons for choosing this moment for her comeback. ‘Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,’ she stated. ‘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 never entirely embraced retirement in the conventional sense. Upon her initial departure from the sport in 2022, she expressed mixed emotions. ‘One thing I’m not going to do is sugarcoat this,’ Williams had written. ‘I know that a lot of people are excited about and look forward to retiring, and I really wish I felt that way.’

During her time away, Williams focused on her family, growing it with her husband Alexis Ohanian. The couple welcomed their first child in 2017 and their second in 2023. Still, Williams’ competitive spirit remained intact, paving the way for her return to the WTA Tour.

The WTA welcomed her comeback warmly. ‘Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court,’ remarked WTA chair Valerie Camillo. ‘Her return is an expression of her passion for competition, and I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players.’

Camillo went on to highlight Williams’ achievements beyond tennis. ‘Serena is not just a great champion. She’s a successful entrepreneur, a powerful advocate for the issues that matter, and one of the most iconic women in the world. We are thrilled to welcome her back to the WTA Tour at this hugely significant moment for women’s tennis.’