Tennis superstar Serena Williams is making her highly anticipated comeback to professional tennis, teaming up with Canadian player Victoria Mboko for doubles competition at the upcoming Queen’s Club Championships, Mboko announced Thursday.
The 44-year-old tennis icon, who has captured 23 Grand Slam singles titles, hasn’t stepped onto a professional court since competing at the 2022 U.S. Open. Williams and the 19-year-old Mboko have been granted a wildcard entry into the doubles competition at Queen’s Club.
“The Queen is back. An honor to share the court with one of the greatest athletes of all time this week,” Mboko wrote on Instagram, having previously dropped hints about Williams’ comeback following her second-round victory at the French Open. “Even more excited to play doubles together! Tennis is pretty special.”
Williams confirmed her comeback through social media posts after months of growing speculation, particularly following her return to the anti-doping testing program last year. This came despite her previous statements about “evolving away from tennis.”
The tennis legend will compete in London at the WTA 500 event, which runs from June 8 through 14.
Williams has captured 14 Grand Slam doubles championships playing alongside her sister Venus, with the siblings maintaining a perfect record in major tournament finals.
The ninth-ranked singles player Mboko previously described Williams as her “idol” during last week’s competition at Roland Garros.
