Amanda Anisimova has seen Serena Williams practicing ahead of her return to competition at Queen’s this year.
Williams is playing doubles with Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club Championships, in what will be her first professional match in nearly four years.
There is a lot of excitement surrounding the 23-time Grand Slam champion returning, with Roland Garros champion Mirra Andreeva in disbelief about Williams’ comeback.
Now, two-time Grand Slam finalist Anisimova has revealed how she and other players at Queen’s are feeling about Williams‘ return to the WTA Tour.
Amanda Anisimova says she is ‘excited’ to have Serena Williams back
Anisimova was asked about Williams’ comeback to tennis in her pre-tournament press conference at Queen’s this year.
The world number five revealed that she idolised Williams growing up and claimed that WTA players were in awe of her at Queen’s, before praising the level she had seen her show in practice.
“I grew up idolising her and she’s always been someone I looked up to and she’s a true legend of the sport,” said Anisimova. “Honestly, I think we are all in awe of her here, just seeing her back and having this comeback is so incredible.
“I’m really looking forward to watching her. I was out there on the grass doing the rest of my warm-up and she was doing some doubles, so it’s honestly super special to see her back here again and it’s super cool what she’s doing.
“She honestly looks like she’s playing incredibly! I don’t think any of us are surprised by that, but I’m excited to see her and watch her play.”
How excited are you to watch Serena Williams play on the WTA Tour once again? 🐐
Amanda Anisimova provides fitness update after practicing with Emma Raducanu
Anisimova will not be in the doubles tournament like Williams, and instead will have her sole focus on singles.
It has been a tricky season so far for the American, as Anisimova has struggled with a wrist injury which prevented her from playing for two months before returning at Roland Garros.
After practicing with Emma Raducanu ahead of Queen’s, Anisimova provided an update on how she was feeling.
“It was great to get on the court, I don’t think anyone played on it before us,” said Anisimova. “It felt quite fresh and new, so it was nice to get out there and also we did some doubles which was fun.
“Always great to play with Emma and the centre court is such a beautiful court, so I was really excited to get back on it and yeah I’m feeling good.”
What do you think Serena Williams needs to do to make her comeback successful?
Anisimova reached the final at Queen’s in 2025, where she lost to Tatjana Maria, who had to come through qualifying to reach the main draw this year.
Queen’s is part of a significant number of ranking points Anisimova has to defend during the grass court season, having also reached the Wimbledon final last year, with nearly 30% of her ranking total earned on the surface in 2025.
