Serena Williams confirms shock tennis comeback at 44 for Queen's Championships

Key points

• Serena Williams has confirmed her return to competitive tennis at the age of 44, nearly four years after her last professional match, with the 23-time Grand Slam champion set to compete at the HSBC Championships at Queen's Club in London.
• Williams has accepted a doubles wildcard for the grass-court tournament, which begins on June 8, and will partner Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.
• The appearance is expected to be her first competitive outing since the 2022 US Open and could serve as preparation for a possible return at Wimbledon later this month.
• The announcement was made on Monday by Queen's Club, which posted on social media: "The Queen returns!
• Serena Williams is back and set for doubles at the HSBC Championships." Good news travels fast.