After nearly four-year hiatus: Serena Williams makes winning return to tennis courts

(Patria) - Legendary American tennis player Serena Williams made a winning return to the tennis courts after nearly four years away.

Williams, playing doubles with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko, successfully began her campaign at the WTA tournament in Queen's Club. The pair advanced to the quarterfinals.

Williams and Mboko defeated the experienced American-New Zealand duo of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in the first round today.

The final score was 7:6 (2), 6:2 after one hour and 32 minutes of play.

Just touched down in London Town! 🌱@serenawilliams and Victoria Mboko seal the match in style in straight sets!#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/e3ECg1gEKA

— wta (@WTA) June 9, 2026

For the 44-year-old Serena, this was her first official match since the 2022 US Open, after which she retired from professional tennis.

The former world number one recently announced her return, and the appearance in London marked the beginning of a new chapter on the Tour.

In the quarterfinals, Williams and Mboko will face the winners of the match between the pair Leylah Fernandez/Laura Siegemund and the duo Alexandra Panova/Demi Schuurs.

For the record, Serena won 73 WTA titles during her illustrious career, including 23 Grand Slams in singles.

In doubles, she won 23 tournaments, including as many as 14 Grand Slam titles with her sister Venus Williams.