Full Breakdown
Serena Williams' Grass-Court Return: Queen’s Club, Berlin Open, Wimbledon Prospects
6/5/2026, 9:10:11 PM
Core Event: Return to Professional Doubles
44-year-old Serena Williams will return in early June 2024, playing doubles with Canadian Victoria Mboko at the HSBC Championships on Queen’s Club grass courts and competing in the Berlin Open doubles draw beginning 15 June.
Background & Context
Williams’ last professional match was a third-round loss at the 2022 US Open, after which she announced an “evolving away” from tennis. A six-month anti-doping protocol delayed a return; she re-joined testing in 2023, clearing the way for a 2024 comeback.
Key Figures & Groups
Serena Williams (player), Victoria Mboko (partner), former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport (commentator), former coach Rick Macci (analyst), and WTA officials (wild-card issuers).
Timeline
- Sep 2022: US Open third-round loss (Tomljanovic); July 2022: Wimbledon first-round loss (Tan).
- Early June 2024: Queen’s Club doubles debut with Mboko.
- 15 June 2024: Berlin Open doubles begins.
- Late June 2024: Wimbledon wild-card list announced at Berlin.
- July 2024: Wimbledon Championships.
Official Statements & Responses
Williams said each added tournament feels special and she looks forward to playing German fans, using the events to build grass-court momentum. Tournament officials confirmed her entries and noted the Berlin Open will host the Wimbledon wild-card announcement; officials have not announced a singles wildcard for her.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts cite the anti-doping protocol as a factor that delayed her return and question whether her current fitness can sustain a Grand Slam singles campaign; Davenport warned success would require exceptional shape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every tournament I add to my schedule right now feels special, and Berlin is no exception. I’m excited to compete in front of the German fans and continue building momentum throughout the grass-court season.” — Serena Williams, player
- “The doubles is pre-game warm up to playing singles at Wimbledon and YES we will have a GOAT sighting at the US Open.” — Rick Macci, former coach
- “The Queen is back. An honour to share the court with one of the greatest athletes of all time this week. Even more excited to play doubles together! Tennis is pretty special.” — Victoria Mboko, partner
Why It Matters
Williams’ return could reshape women’s tennis by reviving fan interest, influencing discussions on athlete longevity, and intensifying the chase for Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record.
What’s Next
The Queen’s Club draw will be released before the event, followed by Berlin matches; Wimbledon wild-card decisions are due later in June, and a US Open appearance remains speculative.
