American tennis legend Serena Williams is set to make a stunning return to singles competition at Wimbledon later this month after accepting a wildcard into the women’s main draw.
The 44-year-old, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has been awarded the final wildcard spot, completing the singles field for this year’s tournament.
Williams recently returned to competitive tennis after a four-year absence, playing two doubles matches earlier this month. She had already received a wildcard to compete alongside her sister, Venus Williams, in the doubles event at the All England Club.
First Singles Appearance Since 2022
The former world No. 1 has not played a singles match since the 2022 US Open, which was widely regarded as her farewell tournament before retirement.
Her career appeared to have ended following a third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic in New York, but her recent return to the court has now paved the way for an unexpected Wimbledon singles comeback.
Asked earlier this month whether she would consider playing singles again at SW19, Williams replied: “You think I’m ready for singles? I need to get to work.”
Chasing More Wimbledon History
Williams is one of the most decorated players in tennis history, having won Wimbledon seven times in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015 and 2016.
Her seven Wimbledon singles titles place her among the most successful women in the tournament’s history and are tied for the highest number of titles she has won at any Grand Slam, alongside her seven Australian Open crowns.
In addition to her singles success, Williams has also won six Wimbledon doubles titles alongside her sister Venus.
One Short of Grand Slam Record
Williams remains one major title away from equalling Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles championships.
Throughout her illustrious career, she spent 319 weeks as world No. 1 and captured 73 WTA singles titles, while also completing a career Golden Slam by winning all four major tournaments and Olympic gold medals in both singles and doubles.
Her most recent Wimbledon singles appearance came in 2019, when she reached the final before losing to Romania’s Simona Halep.
Awaiting First-Round Opponent
Williams will discover her opening-round opponent when the Wimbledon draw is conducted on Friday.
The tournament begins on June 29, with the tennis world now eagerly anticipating one of the most remarkable comeback stories in recent Grand Slam history.
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