Serena Williams stuns tennis world with comeback announcement nearly four years after retirement

Serena Williams re-entered the anti-doping pool last year, which triggered rumours of a comeback. She also dodged those questions during an interview.

Published on: Jun 1, 2026, 20:54:50 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Serena Williams is set to make her highly anticipated competitive comeback to tennis at the age of 44. She will be in action at Queen's Club in London this month as a wildcard entry into the doubles draw, the club confirmed in a statement.

Serena Williams will be making her competitive comeback this year. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

She last played on the WTA Tour in September 2022 and retired from professional tennis after a third-round defeat at the US Open.

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‘Next chapter’

"Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. 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," she said.

Meanwhile, Valeria Camillo, WTA chairperson, welcomed her return. In a statement, she said, "Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all-time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court... I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players."

"We are thrilled to welcome her back to the WTA Tour at this hugely exciting moment for women's tennis."

Re-entered anti-doping pool last year

Serena re-entered the anti-doping pool last year, which triggered rumours of a comeback. She also dodged those questions during an interview. She was ranked the world No. 1 in women's singles by the WTA for 319 weeks (third-most of all time) and finished as the year-end No. 1 five times. Her glittering career consists of 73 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including 23 Grand Slams (singles titles).

She is also the only player to manage a career Grand Slam in both singles and doubles. Serena also won 23 WTA Tour-level doubles titles, including 14 women's doubles Grand Slams, all with her sister Venus.

Novak Djokovic's earlier hint

Earlier at Indian Wells, Novak Djokovic also hinted at her comeback. "I think she's coming back. I don't know. I haven't spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she's coming back," he said.

"I pick that one (Wimbledon) as well as her comeback, but yeah, I don't know. I think she might maybe play a doubles tournament or two with Venus. That would be nice to see, just from my point of view and for tennis fans.

"She's one of the greatest athletes. It would be great to have her back," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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