The tennis world is buzzing with rumors as 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams reportedly prepares for a return to the court at age 44. As per an insider’s revelations on Andy Roddick’s podcast, the American legend is planning a grass-court comeback starting at the Queen’s Club tournament, four years after stepping away from the game.
Serena Williams Has Reportedly Filed Wildcard Requests For Queen’s Club Doubles
The reports say Williams has requested a doubles Wild Card for the upcoming WTA event at Queen’s Club in London. According to veteran journalist Jon Wertheim, Williams’s camp is actively securing spots for the grass-court season, noting on the “Served“ podcast with Roddick that “she’ll be playing doubles at Queen’s Club with… Victoria Mboko.”
The strongest evidence of this was her quiet re-entry into the drug-testing protocols months ago. Roddick pragmatically addressed this move, stating, “As soon as you re-enter doping protocols… you do that because you want the option of coming back, right? Pragmatically, if you enter doping protocols, you’re at least looking at the option to return.” Starting with doubles is also an opportunity for Williams to test her fitness if she plans for a singles return as well, namely Wimbledon.
Roddick added: “I don’t think she plays only doubles and then jumps into Wimbledon singles, but I think there’s a good chance she plays a singles match before Wimbledon.”
With 39 major titles, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles (the most in the Open Era), 14 women’s doubles titles, and four Olympic gold medals, Williams has absolutely nothing left to prove. And her return is a massive win for the sport. Dismissing any negative criticism, Roddick said, “People who complain about athletes ‘tarnishing their legacies’ are usually people with no legacies themselves.”
Fans React As Williams’ 2026 Return Rumor Takes Shape
The vast majority of the tennis community is on board with the news. On X, one user, @Eva_CWFC, wrote, “I cried over this icl ðŸ˜.” Another comment read, “Tennis Lovers will be happy to see the Queen playing after long absence please.”
I cried over this icl 😠https://t.co/T2Ko5ZyVVN
— Eva (@Eva_CWFC) May 28, 2026
Beyond just excitement for her presence, fans are already brainstorming potential matchups. Responding to the news, @BookerGWash posted, “Mixed doubles too please!! Serena and Andy Murray at Wimbledon 2019 was my favorite tennis moment that year even though they only won a couple matches.”
One chimed in with, “Here we go, next up Wimbledon champion,” while another fan pointed out a very specific statistic: “She may just want to complete 100 wins at Wimbledon, stands at 98.” Williams currently sits at exactly 98 singles match wins at the All England Club, after the legendary career that began with her first major win back in 1999.
Here we go, next up Wimbledon champion
— Bovada (@BovadaOfficial) May 28, 2026
Whether she lifts another trophy or simply enjoys a brief stint back on the grass, if she returns, it is a massive win for fans and the sport as a whole.
