Serena Williams Returns to Wimbledon, Praises Sabalenka, Gauff and Andreeva

Serena Williams is back on the WTA Tour after nearly four years away. At 44, can she still make an impact? During her time off the circuit, she watched Grand Slam tournaments unfold, keeping close tabs on the next generation—and she’s already picked her favorites.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka caught her eye. Williams even rewatched their only previous meeting: a three-set win in the 2021 Australian Open fourth round. She also admires Coco Gauff and Mirra Andreeva as fierce competitors.

Her comeback started in doubles. A win with Victoria Mboko at Queen’s Club was followed by a loss alongside Karolina Muchova in Berlin. Her last singles match? The 2022 US Open—nearly two years without stepping on court.

Wimbledon is where she returns to singles. She entered the draw with a Monday deadline to confirm, and her first opponent is 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint on Tuesday. Joint’s 3-15 record this season suggests an upset is possible. Williams has claimed seven singles titles at the All England Club. She and Venus hold six Wimbledon doubles titles together, and they’ll open their doubles run on Thursday against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra.