Serena Williams to return to Wimbledon after earning women's singles wild card

June 22, 2026 - 04:23

Four years after stepping away from professional tennis, Serena Williams is making her comeback official. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has accepted a wild card into the women's singles draw at Wimbledon, signaling that her return to the sport is now in full swing.

Williams last played at the All England Club in 2021, where she suffered an injury during her first-round match and had to retire. She later announced her retirement from professional tennis in 2022, but speculation about a possible return has been building for months. The wild card entry confirms those rumors, giving fans a chance to see one of the greatest players in history back on Centre Court.

The decision to grant Williams a wild card was made by the All England Lawn Tennis Club, which has a history of offering such entries to former champions. Williams has won Wimbledon seven times, tying her with Steffi Graf for the most titles in the Open Era. Her last victory at the tournament came in 2016.

At 42 years old, Williams faces a tough road ahead. The women's field is deeper and more competitive than ever, with players like Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka dominating the tour. But Williams has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Her powerful serve and relentless drive have defined her career, and she will be looking to prove that she can still compete at the highest level.

The tournament is set to begin in late June, and all eyes will be on Williams as she steps onto the grass once again. Whether she makes a deep run or exits early, her presence alone is already generating excitement. For tennis fans, this is a moment worth watching.