LONDON — Tennis icon Serena Williams has officially confirmed her return to competitive tennis. The 23-time Grand Slam champion announced on Monday, June 1, 2026, that she will compete in the doubles tournament at the upcoming HSBC Championships at the Queen's Club, scheduled for next week.
The "Next Chapter"
In a video posted to her Instagram, a smiling Williams was seen walking onto a tennis court with her racket, confirming the long-standing rumors of her return. Williams, who last competed at the 2022 US Open, famously described her departure from the sport as "evolving away" rather than traditional retirement.
"Guess everybody heard the news," Williams shared. "Queen's Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter. Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I'm excited to be back competing on one of the sport's most iconic stages."
The Road to the Comeback
Speculation regarding a potential return had been mounting since December 2025, when Williams officially re-entered the professional anti-doping testing pool a mandatory administrative step required for any athlete looking to rejoin the WTA Tour. Since her hiatus, Williams has been busy focusing on her family and her successful venture capital firm, Serena Ventures.
Industry Excitement
The announcement has sent shockwaves of excitement through the tennis world, with tournament organizers and governing bodies quick to welcome the legend back.
• Laura Robson, LTA Tournament Director, stated: "Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we're delighted that she will be making her return... it's very exciting for the tournament and the fans."
• Valerie Camillo, WTA Chair, added: "Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all time... I cannot wait to see her face a new generation of top players."
Williams enters this comeback holding a legacy that includes nearly $95 million in career prize money and 23 Grand Slam singles titles. Fans and experts alike are eager to see how the tennis icon fares on her favorite surface grass as she begins her return to the competitive tour.
