Courtesy: SerenaWilliams
Serena Williams announces Wimbledon singles comeback
Serena Williams is making another major tennis comeback. The 44-year-old will compete in the 2026 ladies’ singles draw at Wimbledon as a wild card. Wimbledon confirmed the news on its official Instagram account Sunday, June 21. Organizers captioned the announcement, “This is not a drill,” alongside a photo of the tennis legend on a grass court with the words “Serena Returns.”
The announcement came less than a week after Wimbledon revealed that she would reunite with sister Venus Williams, 46, in doubles competition. Both sisters received wild-card entries for the tournament, which begins June 29. Tournament officials shared that news with a photo of the pair on court and the caption, “Back together, at Wimbledon.”
A doubles comeback that has had its share of setbacks
The former world No. 1 restarted her doubles career on June 9 at the Queen’s Club Championship in London. The event marked her first appearance in nearly four years. Alongside Canadian partner Victoria Mboko, she defeated Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in straight sets, 7-6, 6-2.
That momentum proved short-lived. On June 11, the duo withdrew after Mboko suffered a right knee injury. Serena returned to action five days later at the Berlin Open, where she partnered with Karolina Muchova. Their campaign ended in the opening round with a 6-4, 6-4 loss to Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos.
A return to singles after nearly four years
Her last singles match came at the 2022 US Open. Ajla Tomljanovic defeated her in the third round. Following that tournament, Serena avoided the word “retirement” and instead said she was “evolving” away from tennis, according to ESPN. The Wimbledon singles entry marks a notable shift from that position.
Williams’ daughter inspired the comeback
An important conversation with her daughter helped spark the return. Eight-year-old Olympia encouraged her mother to play alongside Venus again. During a June 16 press conference at the Berlin Tennis Open, Serena revealed that Olympia suggested the reunion.
According to the 23-time Grand Slam champion, her daughter is usually right about these things. Serena said she agreed almost immediately. She also shared that Olympia approaches the subject seriously and often shows wisdom beyond her years. That conversation ultimately convinced her to make the comeback with her sister.
Williams will also compete at Fanatics Fest this summer
Away from Wimbledon, the tennis icon is scheduled to appear at Fanatics Fest this summer. She will compete against several major sports stars in the third annual Fanatics Games. The lineup includes Tom Brady, Novak Djokovic, John Cena, Rob Gronkowski, Cam Skattebo, Jordan Chiles and Jaxson Dart.
Participants will compete in a series of athletic challenges. Events include NFL Clutch Kick, NBA Game Winning Shot, WWE Superstar Entrance, UFC Striking, MLB Pitching, NHL Shoot & Score, Dick’s Sporting Goods Putting and FIFA Ultimate Goal.
Source: PEOPLE
About the Author
