Serena Williams returns with victory at Queen's Club alongside Victoria Mboko
Serena Williams marked her long-awaited return to competitive tennis with a convincing doubles victory at the HSBC Championships in London.
Playing her first professional match in 1,376 days, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion partnered Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to defeat Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6(2), 6-2 at Queen's Club.
The victory represented Williams' first competitive win since stepping away from the sport following the 2022 US Open.
Serena delivers vintage moments on return
Despite nearly four years away from professional competition, Williams showed flashes of the power and precision that defined one of the greatest careers in tennis history.
The American served at speeds exceeding 113mph early in the contest before unleashing a blistering 120mph delivery later in the opening set, drawing loud cheers from a packed crowd inside the Andy Murray Arena.
Her trademark aggression was evident throughout the match, particularly during crucial moments of the first-set tiebreak and the closing stages of the second set.
Williams capped the performance with two emphatic aces that helped secure victory and send the crowd into celebration.
A new partnership with Victoria Mboko
Williams selected 19-year-old Canadian star Victoria Mboko as her doubles partner for the event, revealing before the tournament that the youngster reminded her of herself during her early years on tour.
Mboko, named the 2025 WTA Newcomer of the Year, proved an ideal partner. The teenager contributed significantly throughout the match, helping the pair establish control after a tightly contested opening set.
Their chemistry improved as the contest progressed, with both players combining strong serving and aggressive net play to take command of the second set.
Family motivation behind the comeback
Williams explained ahead of the tournament that one of her biggest motivations for returning was the opportunity to compete in front of her daughters, Olympia and Adira.
Both children were present in London to witness the occasion, alongside Williams' husband, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian. The emotional significance of the moment was clear as Williams celebrated key points and embraced her partner following the match-clinching victory.
Strong Wimbledon signal
Although Williams has consistently downplayed expectations surrounding her return, her performance at Queen's Club will inevitably fuel speculation about future appearances.
The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion looked comfortable on grass and showed encouraging signs physically throughout the match. Her movement improved as the contest progressed, while her serve remained one of the most effective weapons on court despite the lengthy absence.
With Wimbledon approaching, the performance suggests Williams can still compete at a high level when healthy and motivated.
A Winning Return
Whether this marks the beginning of another chapter in Serena Williams' remarkable career or simply a special moment for one of tennis' greatest champions, her return delivered exactly what fans hoped to see.
A packed crowd, powerful serving, flashes of brilliance, and ultimately, a victory. After 1,376 days away from professional competition, Serena Williams is back—and she is winning once again.
SportsLigue
