If a sports fan has heard of the sport of tennis, they have almost certainly heard of Serena Williams. If they haven’t, well, they will learn all about her after she announced her return at the upcoming HSBC Championships.
Williams released a trailer of a phone buzzing and ringing on the side of a tennis court on Monday, which was eventually revealed to be her announcing her return to the court while playing doubles.
While it currently remains unclear who she will play with and if her career will continue after June’s competition, Wimbledon sits imminently on the horizon. Fans have been yearning for one of the sport’s all-time greats to return to the court, and now they will have another chance to see her play on a grass court.
Here’s the latest on the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion’s return to the court.
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Serena Williams announces return to tennis
On Monday morning, one of tennis’ most storied careers will continue. Williams announced her return to the court at next week’s HSBC Championships, which is played on the grass courts at the Queen’s Club in West Kensington, London.
Queen’s Club serves as a warm-up for Wimbledon, also played on a grass court in England. Williams will be playing doubles during the HSBC Championships, the tournament’s social media page announced.
THE QUEEN RETURNS 👑
Serena Williams is BACK & set for doubles at the #HSBCChampionships!@WTA | @serenawilliams pic.twitter.com/lohvVo7cEy
— HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 1, 2026
Here is the promotion Williams posted for her return to tennis at the upcoming HSBC Championships, titled “Guess everybody heard the good news.”
Good news travels fast. pic.twitter.com/R7x7EFPUJ8
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) June 1, 2026
At the moment, it is unclear who Williams will share the court with, along with if she is planning on continuing her tennis career after this event.
The 44-year-old became eligible to return to competition on Feb. 22, after completing her six-month period on tennis’ anti-doping testing pool, according to The Athletic. While many tennis fans had already spoiled what they thought was a surprise, Williams promptly shut down those rumors in December.
Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy-
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) December 2, 2025
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Last time Serena Williams played tennis
Williams last walked off the court four years ago at the 2022 U.S. Open, according to her WTA page. Her last match came against Australian Alja Tomljanovic during the tournament’s Round of 32.
During that match, Williams lost 5-7, 7-6, and 6-1, with Tomljanovic ranked No. 46 for that tournament.
Williams has not played on a grass court since the 2022 Wimbledon, where she fell victim to a first-round exit to No. 115 Harmony Tan. During that match, Williams fell 5-7, 6-1, and 6-7.
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