London (EFE).- American Serena Williams, winner of 23 Grand Slam titles, will return to professional tennis at 44 years old after confirming her participation in the Queen’s doubles tournament.
You might be interested in: Kei Nishikori announces his retirement from tennis at the end of the season
The winner of 23 Grand Slam titles has not played a match since September 2022, when she fell to Australian Ajla Tomljanović in the third round of the US Open.
Williams will compete in the London tournament alongside the young 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, thanks to a wildcard from the organizers.
“Queen’s Club seems like the perfect place to start this new chapter. Grass has given me some of the most special moments of my career and I am excited to return to compete in one of the most iconic venues in this sport,” noted the former world number 1 in statements released by the tournament, which will take place between June 8 and 14.
Possible participation in Wimbledon
Her presence in the 500-level tournament opens the door, according to various British media outlets, to a possible participation in Wimbledon, where she won seven singles titles and another seven in doubles alongside her sister Venus Williams.
Her return comes after she re-enrolled in the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) testing program, an essential requirement to compete again.
After completing the six-month period required by anti-doping regulations, the American is now eligible to return to the circuit.
“Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen and we are delighted that she is making her return to tennis at the Queen’s tournament. It is very exciting for the tournament and for the fans that a tennis icon is making her comeback at this venue,” stated Laura Robson, tournament director.
