Williams’ return to singles play
Serena Williams is set to make her singles comeback at Wimbledon, marking her first competitive singles match in nearly four years. This return follows her announcement in 2022 that she was “evolving away” from the sport. Her decision to accept a singles wild card for the tournament has generated considerable discussion within the tennis community.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion previously stepped away from the game. Her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool late last year signalled a potential return, with the grass-court season providing a suitable surface due to its lower physical demands compared to clay. Williams will face Maya Joint, a 20-year-old Australian player, in her opening singles match.
Before her singles return, Williams participated in doubles matches at Queen’s Club and the Berlin Open. At Queen’s, she impressed in her initial doubles match alongside Victoria Mboko, though their participation was cut short due to Mboko’s injury. In Berlin, she and Karolina Muchova experienced a first-round loss.
Monica Puig, an Olympic gold medallist, expressed surprise at Williams’ swift return to singles, noting that Williams had previously indicated she would ease back into the format. Puig highlighted the excitement this return brings for tennis and Wimbledon, emphasising Williams’ champion mindset and competitive nature.
Impact and expectations
Williams’ return to singles at the age of 44 is seen as a significant challenge, especially given the physical demands of the sport. Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli noted the difficulty of returning at this age, particularly after two pregnancies. However, Puig believes Williams would not take a wild card if she didn’t feel fully fit, suggesting a “nothing-to-lose” or “champions mentality” will guide her approach.
Her serve, which reached an impressive 120mph at Queen’s, is expected to be a crucial asset at Wimbledon. Puig, who reached the fourth round at Wimbledon in 2013, stated that Williams will aim to secure many free points with her serve, which can help her navigate difficult situations. The ability to keep points short and her confidence at the net, honed through successful doubles play, are also considered important factors.
Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport observed that Williams appears to be in excellent physical condition, possibly even better than when she last competed. Davenport, the 1999 Wimbledon champion, suggested that Williams’ return indicates a belief in her ability to make an immediate impact in women’s tennis, despite the challenges of age and a prolonged absence from the sport.
Mats Wilander, a tennis expert, believes Williams’ comeback is not merely a short-term endeavour. He anticipates her participation in the US Open and speculates that she may even be targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Wilander highlighted Williams’ serve as potentially the best in women’s tennis history, but expressed concern about her movement in longer rallies on grass, a surface known for its unpredictable footing.
Williams herself has stated she is putting no pressure on her return, viewing it as an opportunity to compete possibly one last time. Her long-term absence has left her unranked in singles, yet she is listed with the 17th-best odds to win the title. The prospect of facing a young opponent like Maya Joint, who has never played Williams before, adds another layer of intrigue to her return.
Off the court, Williams has maintained a strong business presence, with ten long-term sponsors and a diverse portfolio of investments through Serena Ventures. She also gave birth to her second child in 2023. Her career prize money totals $94.8 million, and her lifetime earnings are estimated at roughly $620 million, making her the world’s wealthiest woman whose fortune primarily stems from her athletic career.
Williams will continue her comeback at Wimbledon with a doubles match on Thursday or Friday alongside her sister Venus Williams.
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Source: skysports.com
As Latest News UK's Sports Reporter, Hannah Whitfield reports on tennis, cricket and athletics for readers across the country. She built her name covering the county circuit and Team GB at two Commonwealth Games. She holds a degree in Sport and Media from Loughborough University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Hannah lives in Bristol, where she plays club tennis and coaches a junior side. “Sport is at its best when you let the athletes tell the story.”