Serena Williams set for stunning tennis comeback as 'return date' update drops

Serena Williams has been linked with a shock return to professional tennis almost four years on from her last competitive match at the 2022 US Open.

Williams, 44, is the second-most decorated female tennis player of all time behind Margaret Court, having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles during her illustrious career.

The American has not played a professional match since losing to Ajla Tomljanović in the third round of the 2022 US Open.

And while she did not officially retire, admitting she “never liked the word retirement”, she has not taken to the court since.

Speaking to Vogue in 2022, she said: “Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, towards other things that are important to me. A few years ago, I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family.

“But I’ve been reluctant to admit to myself or anyone else that I have to move on from playing tennis.”

Despite calling time on her career in 2022, Williams had not won a major since the 2017 Australian Open.

Is Serena Williams set to make a retirement U-turn?

Former US Open winner Andy Roddick thinks so, with the 43-year-old suggesting Williams’ decision to re-enter the tennis anti-doping testing pool in 2025 could be a clue to her potential plans.

Players must complete a six-month testing period before being allowed to compete in majors.

Speaking on his podcast, he said: “I don't think as soon as you re-enter doping protocols - which happened six or eight months ago - you do that because you want the option of coming back, right? Maybe you don't know if you're coming back or not, but at the very least, you're thinking really hard about it.”

The three-time Wimbledon finalist then explained why he thinks Williams will compete in singles, even hinting at a potential return at the All England Club this season, with the tournament set to get underway on June 29.

Roddick added: “I think we're going to see her play singles. And I do think the only thing that is a little bit of a doubles-motivated thing - as her sister [Venus] is also not retired yet.

“So would you do it for your sister for one last run at the US Open or something like that? Yes. And I said that eight months ago. So that's the only caveat.

“I don't think she plays only doubles at Wimbledon. I think she's going to play singles. But I think there's half a chance she plays singles before that.

“I just don't see, at this point in her life where she's in her forties, coming back. How many shots in the basket are you going to have on your best surface in singles again, if that's your intent? I don't think she can skip Wimbledon this year in singles. I think if you're going to come back, I think you've got to go.”

Respected tennis journalist Jon Wertheim has suggested Williams will team up with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles competition at Queen’s, which commences on June 6.

He said: “I’ve heard there have been multiple wildcard requests for the grass-court season. She has to make the requests herself. It’s not like tournaments are just calling her saying, ‘Do you want a wildcard?’ Although they probably would.”

Before adding: “The whole thing has been surrounded by secrecy and denials, but honestly, I think it’s awesome. From what I’ve heard, it does look like she’ll be playing during the grass season. Apparently, she’s expected to play doubles at Queen’s Club.”

Williams has previously rubbished speculation surrounding her return.

She has won Wimbledon 14 times – seven singles, six women’s doubles and one mixed doubles title.