Serena Williams returns in style with winning doubles comeback at Queen's Club

Tennis legend Serena Williams marked a successful return to professional tennis on Tuesday, winning her first match in nearly four years at the Queen’s Club Championships in London.

The 44-year-old American teamed up with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles event, defeating the third-seeded pair of Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez.

The victory marked Williams’ first professional appearance since her farewell at the 2022 US Open.

Williams and Mboko will return for a quarter-final clash against Laura Siegemund and Leylah Fernandez on Thursday at Queen’s Club.

Williams has also received a doubles wildcard entry at the Berlin Open, ahead of a possible appearance at the Wimbledon Championships later this month.

Despite concerns over rust after a long absence, Williams showed flashes of the power that defined her career. She produced several strong serves, including an ace exceeding 110 mph, to help secure the straight-sets win.

Speaking after the match, Williams said her return was driven by her love for the sport rather than any need to prove herself. She added that she is enjoying competing again and has not ruled out a future return to singles.

“Yeah, like I said the other day, it’s just one day at a time. I still have a little time to decide, and they have been great about giving me that space and time to decide,” Williams said when asked by The Athletic after the match whether she was closer to deciding on doubles at Wimbledon.

The win marks a significant moment in Williams’ career and has reignited excitement among tennis fans ahead of her upcoming appearances this season.