Serena Williams made a winning return to tennis at Queen’s after nearly four years away from the sport, teaming up with Victoria Mboko in a doubles victory over Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez. The 7-6 (7-2), 6-2 result marked a strong comeback for the 44-year-old at the pre-Wimbledon event.
Playing in front of a full crowd that included her husband and two daughters, Williams looked sharp and comfortable in her first competitive match since announcing her retirement. She said the experience felt natural despite the long layoff and praised Mboko for helping steady the partnership on the biggest points.
“It was so fun. I had so much fun playing with Victoria,” Williams said. “She was really able to hold up the team and play big on the big points. I could rely on her. We have never played together but it felt so natural.”
Asked why she decided to return, Williams said she simply felt ready to compete again and wanted to enjoy the game. “I had nothing better to do, I got tired of sitting at home,” she told the BBC, adding that her children are off school for the summer and that age should not stop anyone who stays healthy and takes care of themselves.
Even with the victory, Williams remained uncertain about whether she will play at Wimbledon. She said the decision will be made “a day at a time,” noting that organisers have given her space and time to think it through.
