Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon singles after nearly four-year break

Serena Williams is set to make an audacious return to singles tennis at Wimbledon, marking her first official singles match in nearly four years. The 44-year-old former world number one, who has not played a singles match since 2022, accepted wild card invitations from the All England Club for both singles and doubles competitions. The grass-court Grand Slam begins on Monday, with Williams’ opening match scheduled for the first week after the draw on Friday.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion with seven Wimbledon titles, has warmed up by playing two doubles matches this month. She won with Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club and lost with Karolina Muchova at the Berlin Open. Her powerful serve and returns have been evident, but questions remain about her court coverage and stamina in singles. ESPN commentators described the move as typical of Williams’ boldness. Mary Joe Fernandez called it “a sign of confidence,” adding, “But if anybody can do it, it’s Serena.” Patrick McEnroe remarked, “I would call this Serena being Serena. It’s very Serena-like to do something audacious like this.”

While Williams’ return commands attention, she is not considered the favorite for the title. Top contenders on the women’s side include world number one Aryna Sabalenka, 2022 champion Elena Rybakina, French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, and defending champion Iga Swiatek. Since Williams has no ranking and is unseeded, she could face any top player in the first round.

On the men’s side, Jannik Sinner is the favorite to defend his title, especially with Carlos Alcaraz sidelined due to a right wrist injury. Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, 39, could be Sinner’s biggest challenger. McEnroe stated, “It’s Sinner and then it’s everyone else.” French Open champion Alexander Zverev has historically struggled at Wimbledon.