The seven-time Wimbledon champion, 44, received a wild card to compete in both doubles and singles at the All England Club.
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Serena Williams has returned to professional tennis at Wimbledon, competing in both doubles and singles after a four-year absence from the sport. The 44-year-old received a wild card entry to the tournament, allowing her to participate at the All England Club where she won seven singles titles during her career.
Williams initially committed to a doubles comeback at Queen's Club over the past two weeks, which required covering only half a court with a partner's assistance. The decision to enter singles competition—facing the world's best players across a full court—came after further deliberation.
"It's not every day Wimbledon holds a wild card for someone. I happened to be one of those people," Williams said of her entry. She described the mental process of deciding whether to compete in singles, acknowledging uncertainty about her prospects. "Will I make it here again? This could be it," she said, reflecting on the significance of the opportunity.
Williams gave herself a pep talk to commit to playing singles, according to officials familiar with her preparation. Her return marks a notable moment at a venue central to her tennis legacy. Nearly three decades ago, her sister Venus made her Wimbledon debut in June 1997 at age 17, displaying what observers described as assured play from the outset. The Williams sisters built a dynasty at the All England Club over subsequent years.
Ahead of the tournament, Williams criticized the anti-doping system, calling it "unprofessional." She cited logistical constraints imposed by testing protocols, stating that the requirements prevented her from attending to personal matters such as picking up her children.
Williams has evolved away from tennis during her time away from professional competition, yet the opportunity to return to Wimbledon drew her back to the courts. Her participation in both doubles and singles at this year's championships represents her first Grand Slam appearance in four years.
The 44-year-old tennis legend will compete in both singles and doubles at the tournament starting June 29, nearly four years after her last singles match.
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