Canadian tennis player Victoria Mboko says any announcement about Serena Williams returning to competitive play should come directly from the American tennis legend herself, as rumors swirl about a possible doubles team-up at an upcoming tournament in London.
Williams captured her final Grand Slam singles championship in 2017 and hasn’t played competitively since the 2022 U.S. Open. The 44-year-old athlete became eligible to enter tournaments again after rejoining the tennis anti-doping testing pool last year.
In August 2022, Williams stated she was “evolving away from tennis” and hasn’t responded to media requests for comment about a potential return, having previously denied preparations for a comeback to the sport she dominated for two decades.
British media outlets reported Thursday that Williams has requested a wildcard entry to compete in doubles with 19-year-old Mboko at next month’s Queen’s Club Championships in London.
Speaking to reporters at the French Open, Mboko expressed enthusiasm about their relationship while stopping short of confirming Williams’ return plans.
“Yeah, I’m very happy. Serena and I have stayed in touch, which is really nice, because I really look up to her. The fact that she even knows me is very exciting,” Mboko said.
“I feel like if she’s ready to come back on her own terms, then I feel like it’s up to her to announce that, but other than that, I don’t really have much to say.”
“I think the moment is all up to her, and when she’s ready to come back.”
Tournament organizers for the Queen’s event, scheduled to begin June 8 in London, have not yet responded to requests for comment.
Following her second-round victory over Katerina Siniakova at Roland Garros on Thursday, Mboko revealed that Williams has been following her career progress and maintaining contact.
“She has texted me. I can’t really tell you the exact date. I don’t know. But it’s really cool that she follows the results. She knows who I am … I looked up to her. She’s my idol, it’s really cool,” Mboko said.
“I remember watching her at the U.S. Open on TV and then seeing her in person … I feel like it was hard not to like her because she won everything.”
“She was such a great role model and such an inspiration to so many young girls out there.”
