Story perspectives

Williams and Mboko advance at Queen's Club

6/10/2026

Summary

Serena Williams Advances

Serena Williams (U.S., 44) and Victoria Mboko (Can., 19) beat third-seeded Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6(2), 6-2 at Queen’s Club, London.
Williams and Mboko hit service winners up to 120 mph, closed with two aces, and will face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals.
Williams said the experience was “so fun,” gave herself a C-minus grade, and has not confirmed singles at Wimbledon while planning Berlin Open doubles.

History

Serena Makes History

Serena Williams became the first female player to compete at the historic Queen’s Club venue.
The HSBC Championships sold out, showing a “sold out” sign despite rain, as Lindsey Vonn, Emma Raducanu and Katie Boulter attended.
Williams re-entered the professional drug-testing pool in late 2025 and described workouts with former athlete trainer Derek as very intense.
She confirmed her partnership with Mboko via an 11th-hour text, calling Mboko a perfect foil.

History

Historical Context

In September 1973, Billie Jean King beat 55-year-old Bobby Riggs 6-4, 6-3 – 6-3 at the Houston Astrodome, a $100,000 winner-takes-all match seen by about 50 million Americans. The victory cemented King’s role in the Original 9, which launched the Virginia Slims circuit and later the WTA. In 2025, Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko played doubles at the traditionally male-only Queen’s Club, underscoring the match’s lasting impact on gender-parity in tennis.

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Serena Williams Advances

Serena Williams (U.S., 44) and Victoria Mboko (Can., 19) beat third-seeded Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6(2), 6-2 at Queen’s Club, London.
Williams and Mboko hit service winners up to 120 mph, closed with two aces, and will face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals.
Williams said the experience was “so fun,” gave herself a C-minus grade, and has not confirmed singles at Wimbledon while planning Berlin Open doubles.

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