Serena Williams is well and truly back. After dropping hints for months, the tennis legend staged her competitive comeback on Tuesday, June 9, on the grass courts of the Queen’s Club. Williams has entered the tournament’s doubles draw as a wildcard alongside 19-year-old Victoria Mboko.
The American-Canadian pair started their campaign on a positive note, winning their opening match 7-6(2), 6-2 against third-seeded Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez. Williams was supported by her coaching team and her family during the match.
Serena Williams’ Daughters Olympia and Adira Join Her on Court at Queen’s Club
The Andy Murray Arena was packed to capacity on Tuesday as fans eagerly awaited the American legend’s return after an absence of nearly four years. Williams initially bid farewell to tennis at the US Open but ultimately reversed her retirement to continue creating tennis history.
Watching it all unfold were her loved ones, including husband Alexis Ohanian and their two daughters, Olympia and Adira. While Olympia, aged eight, watched her mother compete as a toddler, this is the first time her youngest child is witnessing her official matches. Adira was born in August 2023, less than a year after Serena Williams said goodbye to the sport. The two-year-old often accompanies her mother to the tennis court during practice.
Familia completa viendo a Mamá Serena. ❤️
📺 Mirá #Queens en el Plan Premium de #DisneyPlus. pic.twitter.com/hHezew31M6
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) June 9, 2026
After her and Mboko’s first win, Williams rushed toward her family courtside and received a tight hug from Olympia. She also embraced Adira and received a sweet kiss from her husband. The trio then high-fived Mboko.
What it’s all about 🫶 pic.twitter.com/pb92U3uDq8
— HSBC Championships (@QueensTennis) June 9, 2026
While highlighting each family member’s role in her comeback, Williams called Olympia, the “protector,” and Adira, the “future champion.”
In her pre-tournament press conference, she emphasized that playing in front of her daughters was the main driving force behind her return. “It’s really about my kids getting to see me play. I mean, Olympia is a little bit older. Adira is very young. But it’s also having an opportunity to still be able to possibly do that one last time is kind of cool and exciting.”
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion also disclosed her mindset. “I don’t need to win. I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives. And it’s important that I keep reminding myself of that because I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t have anything to lose. And everything here is just to gain.”
MORE: Who Is Coaching Serena Williams During Her Queen’s Club Comeback? All About Her Team Members
Willams and Mboko next face the Canadian-German pair of Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in Wednesday’s quarterfinal.
