Serena Williams Plans Tennis Comeback at Queen's Club and Wimbledon
Serena Williams, 44, is returning to professional tennis nearly four years after retiring, starting with doubles at London's Queen's Club tournament (June 8-14, 2026) partnering Canadian Victoria Mboko. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has re-entered the anti-doping pool and may seek a Wimbledon singles wildcard. Her comeback, confirmed via social media, has drawn support from players like Coco Gauff and Martina Navratilova, with speculation she aims for a 24th major title.
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Serena and Venus Williams withdraw from Wimbledon doubles after Serena's knee injury
Serena Williams, aged 44, has withdrawn from the Wimbledon women's doubles tournament alongside her sister Venus Williams, aged 46, due to a knee injury sustained during her singles defeat to Maya Joint on Tuesday. Organizers had pushed back their opening-round doubles match to Saturday to allow Serena time to recover, but she failed to do so in time. Serena had made her return to singles at Wimbledon after nearly four years away from the sport. The withdrawal marks a disappointing end to her comeback campaign at the Grand Slam event.
SkySports | NewsSerena and Venus Williams Set for Wimbledon Doubles Match; Serena Dealing with Knee Issue
Serena and Venus Williams are scheduled to play their first-round doubles match at Wimbledon on Saturday, July 4, 2026, on ESPN. The match time has not yet been announced. Serena, 44, is dealing with a knee problem following her first-round singles loss to Maya Joint on Tuesday, which was her first competitive match in four years. Tournament officials granted the sisters an extra day of rest, moving the match from Thursday or Friday to Saturday. Andy Roddick commented that the extra day is beneficial for Serena's recovery and allows Venus to play a mixed doubles match on Friday. The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, including six at Wimbledon. Serena returned to tennis after a four-year hiatus, having last played at the 2022 U.S. Open. Venus, 46, has continued competing sporadically.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams Returns to Wimbledon: A Comeback Cut Short
The article covers Serena Williams' return to professional tennis at Wimbledon after nearly four years away from singles competition. At age 44, Williams accepted a wild card to play at the tournament she has won seven times. Her opponent, Joint, had been struggling with 13 losses in her last 14 matches. Williams lost the first set but mounted a characteristic comeback, winning the second set in a tiebreak and forcing a third. However, despite flashes of her former brilliance—including a 122 mph ace—Williams ultimately could not overcome her lack of match fitness and age-related limitations. The piece explores Williams' motivations for returning, including wanting her daughters to see her play, defying expectations, and perhaps being addicted to the spotlight. It notes that her last Wimbledon appearance in 2022 ended in a loss to Harmony Tan.
News, Politics, Opinion, Commentary, and AnalysisSerena Williams' Wimbledon Comeback: What's Next After Singles Defeat?
Serena Williams, 44, made a dramatic return to singles tennis at Wimbledon after a four-year absence, losing a three-set thriller to 20-year-old Maya Joint. Despite showing flashes of her former brilliance, saving match points and hitting a 122mph serve, Williams ultimately ran out of gas. She will compete in women's doubles with her sister Venus later this week. Her future plans remain unclear, including whether she will participate in the US Open or the American hard-court swing; she did not hold a post-match press conference and only issued a brief statement expressing enjoyment at being back on Centre Court.
SkySports | NewsSerena Williams Loses in Singles Return at Wimbledon After Nearly Four Years
Serena Williams, the 44-year-old American tennis legend with 23 Grand Slam titles, made her return to singles competition after nearly four years at Wimbledon. She lost to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint, ranked 87th, in a three-set match (3-6, 7-6, 3-6) lasting two hours and 25 minutes. Joint will next face Filipino Alexandra Eala. Williams, who retired in 2022, returned to the circuit in early June at the Queen's tournament in London, playing doubles with Canadian Victoria Mboko. She is also entered in the Wimbledon doubles event with her sister Venus Williams.
RecordSerena Williams' Wimbledon Singles Comeback Ends in First Round Loss to Maya Joint
Serena Williams' highly anticipated singles comeback at Wimbledon ended in the first round after a 2-hour-22-minute battle against 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint. The 44-year-old 23-time Grand Slam champion lost 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 3-6, despite saving a match point in the second set tiebreak. Williams, playing her first singles match in nearly four years, showed visible fatigue in the final set as her younger opponent exploited fitness advantages. Joint, ranked 87th in the world and winless since mid-January, admitted she barely slept before facing the tennis legend. Williams had accepted a wildcard for the tournament, stating she had nothing left to prove and wanted to enjoy the experience. She will continue her Wimbledon campaign in doubles alongside her sister Venus Williams.
Nachrichten - WELTSerena Williams beaten at Wimbledon in first singles match in four years
Serena Williams' return to Wimbledon singles after a four-year absence ended in a first-round defeat to Australia's Maya Joint, 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3 on June 30, 2026. The 44-year-old seven-time Wimbledon champion, the second-oldest women's singles player in the Open era at the tournament, saved two match points in the second set and led by a break in the deciding set before Joint rallied to win. The match on Centre Court lasted two hours and 22 minutes. Despite the loss, Williams continues her Wimbledon campaign in doubles alongside her sister Venus.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Serena Williams loses in Wimbledon return after 4-year layoff
Serena Williams, 44, returned to competitive singles tennis at Wimbledon 2026 after a 1,397-day absence, receiving a standing ovation on Centre Court. However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion lost in the first round to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint (ranked 53rd), who had lost 15 of her previous 18 matches. Williams served well but showed rust in other areas, losing the first set 6-3 and falling behind in the second before the match ended (score indicated as 6-3, 6-X). The match marked a historic gap in Williams' career, highlighting the age disparity—Williams had won seven Wimbledons before Joint was born. Close friend Caroline Wozniacki expressed excitement about Williams' return and praised her fitness and serve speed. The loss prevents a potential second-round meeting with No. 29 seed Alex Eala or a third-round clash with defending champion Swiatek.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams' Singles Comeback at Wimbledon Ends in Defeat, Doubles with Venus Planned
Serena Williams (44) made her long-awaited singles comeback at Wimbledon after nearly four years away, last playing at the US Open 2022. She faced 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint (world No. 87) on Centre Court, losing 3-6, 7-6, 3-6 after 2 hours and 22 minutes. Despite the loss, Williams received a frenetic welcome from 15,000 spectators and showed flashes of her former form, including a powerful serve approaching 200 km/h and strong net play. Her family, including husband Alexis Ohanian and daughters Olympia and Adira, watched from the box. Joint expressed her honor at playing against her childhood idol. Williams will not exit Wimbledon just yet; she plans to compete in doubles with her sister Venus Williams, also for the first time since the 2022 US Open. Speculation continues about a possible US Open appearance starting August 30.
BILD - SportSerena Williams Loses to Maya Joint in First-Round Wimbledon Return After Four-Year Absence
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, made her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon at age 44 after a four-year absence but was defeated in a first-round match by 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint. The match on Centre Court was an epic battle, with Williams showing flashes of brilliance and saving a match point in the second set to force a decider. However, she ultimately ran out of steam and lost 6-3, 6-7, 6-3. Her return to tennis was announced earlier in June, surprising the sports world. Despite avoiding top seeds in the draw, the fairytale victory did not materialize.
SkySports | NewsLindsey Vonn on Serena Williams' Wimbledon Comeback: Dreams Have No Expiration Date
Serena Williams, 44, is making a comeback at Wimbledon after retiring in 2022, inspired partly by ski legend Lindsey Vonn's own return to racing. Vonn, who returned in 2024 after five years away and won a World Cup race at age 41, told SPORT BILD she was moved that Williams cited her as inspiration. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, will play singles against Australian Maya Joint and doubles with sister Venus. Venus also returned in 2025 after uterine surgery. Williams says the comeback is short-term, not sustainable long-term. Vonn praised Williams' legacy, saying 'our dreams don't have an expiration date.'
BILD - SportSerena Williams Returns to Wimbledon to Face Maya Joint
Serena Williams is set to make her return to Wimbledon, gearing up to face opponent Maya Joint. Sky Sports reporter Craig Slater provides a preview of the highly anticipated comeback, covering key details about Williams' preparation and the matchup. The article is published on June 29, 2026, highlighting the event as a major moment in the tennis calendar.
SkySports | NewsSerena Williams Returns to Wimbledon 2026; Match Scheduled for Tuesday
Serena Williams, 44, is set to play her first competitive singles match in nearly four years at Wimbledon on Tuesday, June 29, 2026. She will face Australian Maya Joint, ranked No. 53, on Centre Court. The match follows defending champion Iga Swiatek's opener and a match between Taylor Fritz and Jack Draper. Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion who last played singles at the 2022 U.S. Open, could become the fourth-oldest woman to win a main-draw match in the Open Era with a victory. Former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki expressed excitement and confidence in Williams's fitness, noting her serve speed and movement. If Williams wins, she may face No. 29 seed Alex Eala in round two and potentially defending champion Swiatek in round three.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams Returns to Wimbledon Singles, Names Grigor Dimitrov as Best Friend
Serena Williams, 44, makes a surprise return to singles tennis at Wimbledon after nearly four years away, facing Australian Maya Joint in the first round. In a press conference, the 23-time Grand Slam winner discusses her decision, calling Bulgarian tennis star Grigor Dimitrov her 'best friend' and praising his kind heart. She also talks about following current players like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Mirra Andreeva, and reveals a quirky motivation trick involving AI-generated Marvel-style playing cards with sayings. Williams acknowledges she expects to be nervous but says it reflects her passion. The article includes photos of Williams training and with her team.
BILD - SportNovak Djokovic Praises Serena Williams' Wimbledon Comeback as 'Truly Inspirational'
Novak Djokovic has described Serena Williams' return to competitive singles tennis at Wimbledon as 'truly inspirational.' The 44-year-old Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, will play her first singles match in nearly four years on Centre Court against Australia's Maya Joint. Djokovic, 39, and Williams are both vying for an eighth Wimbledon singles title. Djokovic praised Williams' dedication, noting he sees her in the gym more than during her prime. Caroline Wozniacki, Coco Gauff, and Aryna Sabalenka also expressed admiration for Williams' comeback. Djokovic, who opens against Wu Yibing, said he is better prepared for Wimbledon than for Roland Garros, where he lost in the third round.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams Isn't Returning To Tennis For The Money
Serena Williams, the 44-year-old tennis icon and richest female athlete ever, is making a competitive return to tennis at Wimbledon 2026 after a nearly four-year hiatus. She will play doubles with her sister Venus Williams and singles against unseeded Australian Maya Joint. While the Wimbledon winner's check is $4.8 million, the article notes money is not her motivation, as Forbes estimates her lifetime earnings at $620 million and net worth at $400 million. She has earned $50 million off-court in the last year from sponsorships and business ventures, surpassing her best earning years as an active player. Williams clarified earlier she was not retired, and her return follows giving birth to a second child in 2023.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams to face 20-year-old Maya Joint in first Wimbledon singles match in four years
Serena Williams, 44, will play 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of Wimbledon singles, her first singles match in nearly four years. Williams accepted a wild-card entry to the grass-court Grand Slam. Joint, an Australian ranked 53rd, won the Eastbourne Open last year. Williams will also compete in doubles with sister Venus, 46. If she wins, she could face Alexandra Eala in the second round and potentially Iga Swiatek in the third. Williams last played singles at the 2022 US Open. On the men's side, No. 1 Jannik Sinner begins his title defense against Miomir Kecmanovic, and Novak Djokovic faces Wu Yibing. Two-time champion Carlos Alcaraz misses due to wrist injury.
The Hindu: Latest News today from India and the World, Breaking news, Top Headlines and Trending News Videos.Serena Williams to Play First Singles Match in Nearly Four Years at Wimbledon
Serena Williams, 44, will play her first competitive singles match in nearly four years when she takes Centre Court at Wimbledon for her first-round match on Tuesday. She faces Australian Maya Joint, ranked No. 53. The match follows Iga Swiatek's opener and the Taylor Fritz-Jack Draper match. If she wins, Williams would become the fourth-oldest woman to win a main-draw match in the Open Era, after Martina Navratilova (47 in 2004). Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, last played singles at the 2022 U.S. Open. Her friend Caroline Wozniacki expressed excitement, noting Williams is serving at 120 mph and moving well. A potential second-round matchup with No. 29 seed Alex Eala awaits, followed by a possible third-round clash with defending champion Swiatek.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams Readies For Wimbledon Return as 44-Year-Old Wildcard
Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion, will return to singles competition at Wimbledon as a wildcard at age 44, nearly four years after her last singles match at the 2022 US Open. Initially slated to play doubles with sister Venus, Williams was granted a singles wildcard on Sunday. ESPN analysts expressed excitement and noted her audacious return, with Mary Joe Fernandez stating 'no one’s going to want to face her.' Williams has won Wimbledon seven times, most recently in 2016, and also reached finals in 2018 and 2019. If she wins a match, she would become the fourth-oldest woman to win a main-draw match in the Open Era. The tournament runs from June 29 to July 12, 2026.
Forbes - BusinessSerena Williams Receives Wildcard for Wimbledon Singles Comeback
Serena Williams, 44, has been awarded a wildcard for the singles draw at Wimbledon 2026, marking her return to Grand Slam singles competition after nearly four years. The 23-time Grand Slam champion last played a singles match at the 2022 US Open, where she retired. She will also compete in doubles with her sister Venus Williams. The Wildcard was announced by the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club on Sunday, June 22. Wimbledon runs from June 29 to July 12. Williams recently played two doubles matches at Queen's Club and Berlin, showing strong physical form. She explained her return by saying she was 'bored sitting around at home.' Her last singles title at Wimbledon was ten years ago, when she defeated Angelique Kerber in the final.
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