Twenty-three-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams is set to make a sensational return to singles action at Wimbledon after being awarded the final wildcard spot in the women's draw. The announcement, made on Sunday evening, confirms the American icon's unexpected comeback to the sport's highest level at the age of 44.
Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, had previously been confirmed to participate in the doubles tournament alongside her elder sister, Venus. Her last singles appearance was at the 2022 US Open, where she suggested she was 'evolving away' from tennis following a third-round defeat. Her most recent outing at SW19 was earlier that same year, resulting in a first-round loss after a year-long absence from the court.
The decision to grant Williams the final wildcard slot had been a subject of speculation, particularly after she made a recent appearance at the Berlin Open. When quizzed about the possibility of receiving the last remaining wildcard, Williams remained coy, playfully asking, "Oh my gosh, there's some left? Well I better get to practice! You think I'm ready for singles? I need to get to work."
Williams recently returned to competitive tennis in doubles, partnering with Victoria Mboko at Queen's earlier this month. The pair secured a first-round victory before Mboko's injury forced their withdrawal. Williams then played another doubles match at the Berlin Open with Karolina Muchova, though they were defeated in the first round.
The Williams sisters, with a combined age of 90, last played doubles together at the 2022 US Open. They share a record of six Wimbledon women's doubles titles, with their last triumph coming in 2016. Their first-round doubles match at Wimbledon is scheduled for either Thursday 2nd July or Friday 3rd July, at the commencement of the women’s doubles tournament.
This wildcard entry provides an extraordinary opportunity for Williams to compete for an eighth Wimbledon singles title, a feat that would equal Margaret Court's all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles. Her return is expected to generate significant excitement and draw considerable attention to the tournament.