Serena Williams will play her first professional match in almost four years at next week’s Queen’s Club Championships.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion is expected to compete in doubles, alongside Victoria Mboko.
Fans know very little about what to expect from Williams, and neither does her sister!
How excited are you to watch Serena Williams play on the WTA Tour once again? 🐐
Former world number one Venus Williams has now revealed how little she knows about her younger sister’s current level.
Venus Williams says she hasn’t really seen Serena Williams play ahead of her return to professional tennis
During TNT Sports’ coverage of the French Open, Williams was asked if there was a moment when her sister told her she was planning a comeback.
“No, it didn’t happen like that,” she said.
“It was more me bullying her to come [back]… no, not at all!
“I think she hits every now and then.
“I never see her on court that often, so I don’t know when she’s been practising, honestly!
“I don’t know how her form is.”
Despite not seeing her sister practice much, Williams isn’t concerned.
“But what I will tell you is that she could not hit for four months and I’ll be hitting, she’ll come out, grab a racket and running shoes, and hit the tonne out of the ball, without ever hitting,” said Williams.
“It’s incredible!
“So the quality of her stroke is obviously there. I think she is a little bit of a natural; she has a pretty good record, she knows what she’s doing, she’s very tenacious, so I’m not worried about how she’s going to play, even though I really haven’t seen her play!
“It’s so crazy!”
Williams hasn’t been practising with her sister, but who has she been working with ahead of her return?
Well, earlier this year, American player Alycia Parks confirmed that she had been practising with Williams.
During an interview with ‘Tennis Majors‘, Parks shared how impressed she was with the legend’s game.
“She is in great shape,” said Parks.
“I think she would kill it on tour.”
The world number 79, Parks, is a strong practice partner, and Williams made sure to find a strong coach, too.
She has seemingly reunited with Rennae Stubbs, four years after they teamed up at the 2022 US Open.
Australia’s Stubbs briefly commented on her partnership with Williams, but didn’t share many details.
“Serena [Williams] has announced that she is back; that’s one of the reasons why I’m over here in London…” said Stubbs.
More information will surely be revealed over the coming weeks and months, although it is remarkable how little is known about her comeback.
When could Serena Williams and Venus Williams play doubles together?
The obvious answer is Wimbledon.
They won six Wimbledon doubles titles together, and even in their 40s, would surely be contenders to win a seventh in 2026.
Or, they could play together at the US Open, their home Grand Slam.
Earlier this year, some suggested that Williams was returning with the intention to play doubles with her sister in New York, as she planned to retire at the US Open.
There may be no truth to that rumour, but that doesn’t mean we won’t see the Williams sisters teaming up together on Arthur Ashe Stadium this fall.
The possibilities are endless, but one thing is for sure: you don’t want to miss any of the action.
Williams will make her official return at next week’s Queen’s Club Championships.
