After an unfortunate end to her campaign at Queen’s Club, Serena Williams has arrived in Berlin for her next WTA 500 event. The American has already commenced her practice sessions in the German capital ahead of her doubles run with partner Karolína Muchová. Their opening match against Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16.
Ahead of the opener, Williams’ opponent Routliffe has made an honest admission about facing the tennis legend twice in the span of one week.
Serena Williams and Erin Routliffe Set Up Repeat Clash With New Partners in Berlin
Williams’ comeback after nearly four years away was met with widespread excitement from tennis fans. The American, who’s so far opted only for doubles wildcards, was thrilled to reignite her competitive spirit alongside Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club.
In front of a jam-packed crowd, the pair made a promising debut to beat third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Routliffe 7-6(2), 6-2. Although they couldn’t play their next match due to Mboko’s injury, Williams stayed back in London to train for her next appearance at the Berlin Tennis Open.
In a remarkable twist, Williams has again drawn New Zealand’s Routliffe in her first match, this time with both players teaming up with new partners. While Williams will have Muchová on her side, Routliffe has paired up with Mexico’s Giuliana Olmos.
Ahead of her repeat match with the 23-time Grand Slam singles winner, Routliffe said, “I was kind of like, wow, I can’t believe it!”
“To get another chance is exciting; we’re both with different partners. I’m sure she’ll remember me,” the 31-year-old said, laughing, according to reporter Mike McIntyre. “So she’ll have a little more scouting going into it this time. But to be honest, yeah, I couldn’t believe it!”
Williams’ return has sparked excitement among players eager for the opportunity to share the court with her. Many players are delighted just to be in the “same space” as her.
During her pre-tournament media chat, Coco Gauff said, “It would be cool to step on the court with her just because she’s a legend and someone I looked up to. I’m very excited to be in the same spaces as her again.”
MORE: Coco Gauff’s Serena Williams Remark Offers Clarification on Rejection Rumors in Berlin
Meanwhile, rising star Alexandra Eala said during her chat with the Tennis Channel, “Experiencing the tour at the same time as her is something I’ll remember for the rest of my life, even if maybe I don’t get any interactions with her. It would still be an honor to just be in that same space.”
For Serena Williams, her daughters, Olympia and Adira, have been a major source of motivation behind her comeback. Win or lose, the American legend has said that having her daughters watch her play is what matters most.
