Wimbledon: Serena Williams Returns to Singles Play: “This Is No Joke”

The legendary Serena Williams is returning to the court in singles as well. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, 44, will not only compete in the Wimbledon doubles tournament alongside her sister Venus Williams, but will also take part in the women’s singles draw.

Serena has in fact received a wild card from the organizers of the London Grand Slam, who are eager to host what is likely to be the event of the year in women’s tennis. “This is no joke. Serena Williams will compete in the 2026 Wimbledon women’s singles as a wild card,” reads the official announcement.

Serena Williams, who last competed at Wimbledon in 2022, has won the tournament seven times—in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016, becoming one of the most successful female tennis players of all time.

Returning to the court for the first time in the doubles at Queen’s two weeks ago, Serena had this to say about her comeback: “I didn’t have much to do; I was a little bored at home. It’s about letting my daughters see me play. Olympia is a little older, but Adira is still very young.”