Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko defeated Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the first round of the Queen’s Club Championships, 7-6, 6-2.
It was the dream return for Williams, who won her first match since 2022 in straight sets in front of a packed crowd on the Andy Murray Arena.
How impressed were you with Serena Williams’ level?
A legendary return!
Williams didn’t look out of place alongside a player 16 years her junior, working well with Mboko as they booked their place in the second round.
Shortly after converting the win, Williams conducted her first post-match interview in 1,375 days.
Serena Williams says it felt ‘natural’ playing doubles with Victoria Mboko
“It was so fun,” said Williams.
“I had so much fun playing with Vicky [Mboko].
“She really was able to hold up the team and play big on the big points, and I could rely on her.
“We had never played together, but it felt so natural playing with her.
“It was so much fun.”
Mboko was also keen to share her thoughts.
“First of all, I feel very honoured to play with you Serena; it’s such a privilege to play beside you,” she said.
“I had a lot of fun.
“I am so happy to be playing beside you, and we are going for more.”
Williams was then asked why she decided to return to tennis.
“I mean I don’t know,” she said.
“I had nothing better to do. I got tired sitting at home!”
Finally, Williams commented on the tournament itself, which she had never played before.
“I never got to play here, it was always just the men,” she said.
“But it feels really special to play at some place so iconic I saw so many of my friends win and do well, so it’s kind of cool.”
From 1973 to 2024 there was no women’s event held at Queen’s.
That changed last year, however, as the women took centre stage once more.
Tatjana Maria won the singles title while Asia Muhammad and Demi Schuurs won the doubles.
Can Williams take this year’s title? Stranger things have happened.
Who will Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko play next?
Williams and Mboko will return to take on Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the second round.
Fernandez and Siegemund defeated Alexandra Panova and the defending champion, Schuurs in their opener.
What do you think Serena Williams needs to do to make her comeback successful?
It won’t be an easy tie, but Williams and Mboko will fancy their chances of advancing, provided they play as well as they did in the first round.
Looking further ahead in the draw, they could meet the likes of Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani, the second seeds, and Anna Dalinina and Aleksandra Krunic, the top seeds.
Serena Williams makes statement at Queen’s
Anyone who doubted Williams’ ability to compete may be feeling slightly embarrassed right now.
The 45-year-old wasn’t at her Grand Slam-winning best, of course, but still delivered a performance worthy of the spotlight she received.
Williams hit some excellent shots during the match, combining well with the world number nine.
She made a smart choice by beginning her comeback in doubles, a discipline that is less likely to expose any fitness issues, but judging by her performance in the first round, that might not be a problem.
If and when Williams does make the switch back to singles, don’t be surprised to see her win some big matches against some top opponents.
For now, there has been no confirmation of any singles plans, although we do know that Williams plans to play doubles at next week’s Berlin Open, and is considering playing mixed doubles at Wimbledon.
