Serena Williams made a winning start to her competitive tennis comeback in the doubles event at Queen’s, claiming her first professional victory in nearly four years. The 44-year-old – making her first appearance since the 2022 US Open – partnered Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory over third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe. Williams was given a standing ovation as she walked onto the grass court at the Andy Murray Arena, her debut at the Queen’s Club, with the 23-time
Grand Slam singles champion putting in an impressive display. Serena Williams adds Berlin Tennis Open to comeback scheduleDownload Sky Sports app for analysis, news and videoNot got Sky? Get Sky Sports or stream with no contract The unseeded pair will now face either Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund or Dutch duo Alexandra Panova and Demi Schuurs in the next round. Willams said ahead of featuring at Queen’s she had “nothing to prove” in her competitive comeback, having previously said she was “evolving” away from tennis
rather than outright retiring in 2022. The 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion will also compete in doubles at the Berlin Open in Germany next week, although has yet to confirm whether she will feature at Wimbledon from June 29. More to follow. Watch the ATP and WTA Tours, live on Sky Sports or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports app. Find out more here.
Serena Williams, Queen's doubles, Victoria Mboko, Nicole Melichar-Martinez, Erin Routliffe, Andy Murray Arena, Berlin Open, Wimbledon, Leylah Fernandez, Laura Siegemund, Alexandra Panova, Demi Schuurs
Good for her.
So Serena’s back but like… doubles? I thought she was retiring for good. Still though the standing ovation is kind of wholesome.
Wait she’s 44 and winning already? I remember when she was dominating singles and now she’s just playing doubles to ease back in. Also why does it say “Queen’s” like that’s a person lol, I’m confused. Still, if she plays Wimbledon next week or whatever, I hope she doesn’t get injured again.
I saw this headline and was like omg she’s going to save tennis 😂 But then it’s doubles and her partner is a teenager? I guess that’s smart. Not sure what “evolving away from tennis” means though, sounds like PR talk. Anyway congrats, and I’m rooting for her but also I’m shocked she’s allowed to compete after so much time off.