Comeback time: Serena Williams playing doubles in London

The queen will begin her comeback at The Queen's Club in London when Serena Williams competes in doubles next week at the HSBC Championships.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion and longtime world No. 1 retired in September 2022 after winning 73 WTA Tour singles titles and nearly $95 million in prize money.

Williams received a wild-card entry into the doubles draw at the WTA 500 grass-court tournament that runs from June 8-14. Her doubles partner for her first match in nearly four years was not announced.

"Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter," said Williams, 44. "Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I'm excited to be back competing on one of the sport's most iconic stages."

Williams dominated on grass throughout her storied career, winning seven Wimbledon titles in singles and six more in doubles alongside her sister Venus.

"Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we're delighted that she will be making her return to tennis at the LTA's HSBC Championships," WTA tournament director Laura Robson said. "Women's tennis made a historic return to The Queen's Club last year, and now we have an icon of the game stepping back on to court at this prestigious venue -- it's very exciting for the tournament and the fans."

In 2025, The Queen's Club hosted tour-level women's tennis for the first time since 1973. Germany's Tatjana Maria won the singles title and Asia Muhammad and Demi Schuurs won the doubles title.

--Field Level Media