Serena Williams, the legendary tennis player with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, is preparing for a remarkable return to the sport. According to a report by Jon Wertheim on the ‘Served’ podcast, Williams has requested a doubles wildcard to compete alongside 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko at the upcoming Queen’s Club event in London. This WTA 500 tournament is set to begin in just 11 days.
Speculation and Preparation
Williams’ potential return has been the subject of much speculation since she stepped away from competitive tennis following the 2022 US Open. Her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool last year signaled her intent to keep the door open for a comeback. Andy Roddick, former world No. 1 and podcast host, highlighted the significance of this move, noting that athletes re-enter the doping protocol to maintain the option of returning to competition.
Roddick further commented on Williams’ decision, acknowledging that while it may not be the most practical from a competitive standpoint, it reflects her champion’s mentality and desire to address unfinished business. He suggested that Williams’ best chance for a successful comeback might be on the grass courts of Wimbledon, given her impressive track record there.
Historic Achievements and Future Ambitions
Williams’ doubles achievements are already historic, with 16 Grand Slam doubles titles, 14 of which were won alongside her sister Venus Williams. Her singles career is equally impressive, holding the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in the Open Era. Roddick believes that Williams’ ambitions extend beyond doubles, predicting that she will also compete in singles at Wimbledon this summer.
He emphasized that at this stage in her life, Williams, now in her 40s, is unlikely to pass up the opportunity to compete in singles at Wimbledon, especially on her favored grass surface. The Queen’s Club, however, has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Williams’ participation.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
