Serena Williams Rings Bells Again at Queen’s Club

After more than three years away from the tour, 44‑year‑old Serena Williams stepped onto the grass courts of Queen’s Club to a roar of cheers. Pairing with 14‑year‑old Canadian Victoria Mboko, the duo took a two‑set win of 7‑6(7‑2) 6‑2 over third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar‑Martinez.

"It’s so fun," the champion said after the match. “I had so much fun playing with Victoria. She made the team feel natural.” She added, smiling, that the kids—newborn daughter Adira and eight‑year‑old Olympia—were watching from the stands. “I never got to play here; it was always just the men. It feels special to play in this place.”

Williams had hinted at a return last year when she appeared on the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s player reinstatement list. In the summer her comeback decision was confirmed when she’d joined Mboko for a doubles spot at Queen’s.

Her first serve of the match, powerful as ever, clocked 120 mph and wrapped up the win quickly after a 92‑minute burst of offense. Though critics note a few rusty overhead shots, Williams’ aggressive groundstrokes kept the crowd in awe. She shrugged off the “C‑minus” label, saying the match was simply a confidence‑boosting start.

Next week the pair will face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez and Germany’s Laura Siegemund in the second round. Williams remains open to a singles appearance at Wimbledon, stating she will decide one day at a time. For now, the queen of the court has returned to the golden grass, adding a new chapter to her storied legacy.