Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Serena Williams announced her tennis career to the professional arena.
The announcement comes nearly four years after her last competitive match at the 2022 US Open, marking a new chapter in her legendary career.
At 44 years old, Williams is ready to swing her racket again.
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Williams' comeback is scheduled to begin in June 2026, with the Queen's Club grasscourt tournament in London serving as the starting point.
This decision ends long-standing speculation about her future in the sport, after she previously stated she was "evolving away" from tennis.
The announcement, made on Monday, June 1, 2026, was met with excitement across the tennis world.
Williams will begin her comeback in women's doubles, partnering with Canadian rising star Victoria Mboko via a wild-card invitation.
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Serena Williams' Announcement and Return
Serena Williams officially announced her return to professional tennis on Monday, June 1, 2026, through a captivating social media post.
The announcement was accompanied by a video of her on court, captioned "Guess everybody heard the news," which quickly went viral.
The Queen's Club Tournament in London, which runs from June 8 to 14, 2026, will be Williams' first event in nearly four years.
Her presence at Queen's Club is expected to attract significant media and spectator attention.
The decision to return to competition at the age of 44 demonstrates Williams' unwavering dedication and love for the game of tennis.
This announcement also ends much speculation that has been circulating since her final match at the 2022 US Open.
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Match Location and Format
Serena Williams' comeback will begin at the prestigious Queen's Club grasscourt tournament in London, England.
This tournament is known as one of the most important warm-up events for Wimbledon, giving Williams the opportunity to reacclimate to competition on her favorite surface.
Grass courts have been a constant witness to Williams' dominance throughout her career.
Williams will participate in the women's doubles event at the WTA 500 event, having accepted a wild-card invitation.
In her comeback, Serena Williams is expected to partner with young Canadian talent Victoria Mboko.
Background and Comeback Speculation
Serena Williams' last match was in the third round of the 2022 US Open, where she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic.
At the time, Williams stated that she was "evolving away" from tennis, a statement widely interpreted as retirement, although she never used the term explicitly.
Speculation about Williams's return has been rife since December 2025, when her name was reportedly reinstated on the International Tennis Integrity Agency's (ITIA) list of players registered for anti-doping testing.
Williams was officially reinstated on the list in February 2026, further fueling the rumors.
Despite initially denying a return on social media, stating, "Omg y'all I'm NOT coming back," Williams has been training regularly.
She has been training in Florida with top-100 player Alycia Parks and former ATP player Jesse Levine.
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Serena Williams' Statement and Hopes
In her statement, Serena Williams expressed her enthusiasm for returning to competition at Queen's Club.
She said, "Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this new chapter."
Williams also emphasized the importance of grass courts to her illustrious career.
"Grass courts have given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career," she said.
By returning to Queen's Club, Williams hopes to create more unforgettable moments.
She stated, "I'm thrilled to be back competing on one of the most iconic stages in the sport."
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