Serena Williams, return crowned with victory after almost 4 years of break!

On September 3, 2022, Serena Williams she was defeated by the Australian Ajla Tomljanovic in the 3rd round of the US Open, after a month before, in an article from Voguesignaled that he would “evolve outside of tennis”.

Almost 4 years later, in a white top, skirt and pink headband, she was on the court again, playing in the first round of the doubles at Queen's. Next to her, a Canadian partner 25 years younger Victoria Mboko. The 19-year-old was in a Starbucks when she received the invitation text from Serena, and she admitted she looked at her phone for a good few seconds before answering.

“It was an offer too hard to refuse” said Mboko, “he has been one of my idols since I started tennis“.

The two were received with cheers on Andy Murray Arenathe main court at Queen's, to face the doubles specialists Nicole Melichar-Martinez (USA) and Erin Routliffe (New Zealand), favorites 3.

Williams and Mboko, first set won on tie-break

Displaying an enviable figure and a lot of desire to play, Williams started the game well alongside her partner. They distanced themselves to 4-1Serena landing some impressive serves and backhand shots, but mixed with out-of-syncs and hesitations. The younger Mboko did the heavy lifting though with her quick movement into the hot spots of the pitch.

The opponents recovered the break following a double fault by Serena, then the balance was reached, 4-4. For 5-4, Serena delivered a hot shot with an excellent ball after Routliffe's smash.

The first act ended in a tie-break, where Melichar-Martinez and her partner committed costly double faults. Finally, it was 7-2 for Williams and Mboko, to the applause of the audience. Some of the spectators began to migrate to Court 1 to see the British pair in action Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanubut enough remained in the stands of the main arena.

18Williams and Mboko had winning shots, the opponents – 19, and in unforced errors the ratio was 8 – 10, in double faults 2-4

Serena Williams sealed the win with her serve

In the second set, the first break came after a moment when the referee was sitting on the chair Allison Hughes ruled that the ball first hit Melichar's arm, then the racket at 30-40. The 3 favorites requested a video review of the point, but as the images were blurry, the original ruling stood. And break for Serena and Victoria.

The American-Canadian pair distanced themselves at 5-2giving Serena the honor of closing the match with her serve. And it was as if he turned back time, catapulting two aces in a row and sealing the victory with a big smile.

Hugs, smiles at the net and a triumphant return for one of the most decorated players in tennis history.

Like she never left 🤩@serenawilliams and Victoria Mboko take the first set over Routliffe/Melichar-Martinez 7-6(2). #HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/UysbuuNRLZ

— wta (@WTA) June 9, 2026

I had a lot of fun playing with Vicky. She just… she was able to support the team and play great in the decisive moments, and I could really rely on her. We had never played together before, but it felt so natural to play alongside her that it was really fun – Serena Williams

It's a real privilege to play with you and, you know, I had a great time; more than that, I really gave my best on the pitch, so I'm very happy to play with you and we aim to achieve even more – Victoria Mboko

Asked in the on-court interview what made her return to tennis, Williams, who has 23 major titles to her name, humorously replied: “I don't know. I simply had nothing better to do. I'm tired of staying at home. My kids are on summer vacation, so why not?“.

The women's tournament at Queens is only in its second edition, and Serena felt good about her return to a competition with a lot of history, even if only on the men's side for now. “I never got to play here. It was always just the men, but yeah it's a really special feeling to play in such an iconic place, where I've seen so many of my friends win and do great and where I've watched so many great matches, so it's great“, she emphasized.

In the second round, the pair of Mboko, Williams will duel with the couple Leylah Fernandez, Laura Siegemund (Canada/Germany), victorious 6-2, 2-6, 11-9 in front Alexandra Panova and his Demi Schuurs (Russia/Netherlands).