Serena Williams is coming back. Not to singles, not to chase that 24th Grand Slam. To doubles. At 44. In London.
Here is the leak from the All England Club. The American, a legend who has not played competitive tennis since last year's Wimbledon, has signed up for the doubles draw at the Queen's Club Championships. The grass court warm-up for Wimbledon. It starts next week.
Why? That is the question being asked in the locker rooms. The official line from her camp is that she wants to test her fitness. She wants to feel the grass. And she wants to play with a partner. A British player, sources say. A player who is also a mother. The name being whispered is Heather Watson.
Think about the politics of this. Williams has always been a draw. But she is also a statement. A 23-time Grand Slam champion returning to the doubles court at an ATP 500 event. It is unprecedented. It is also a massive coup for the Queen's Club organisers. Tickets for the finals weekend have already tripled in price on the secondary market. Expect corporate boxes to be packed.
Behind the scenes, there is nervousness. Williams has not played a competitive match on grass since 2022. She is 44. The warning signs are there. Is she ready? The medical team at the LTA have been given limited information. Sources say she has been training on the grass courts at Roehampton in secret. The sessions have been closed to the press. That has only fuelled speculation.
The betting markets have shifted. William Hill has installed the Williams/Watson pair as 3/1 favourites. That is short for a team that has never played together. Not on grass. Not at all.
Let me give you the insider view. The timing is deliberate. Wimbledon is three weeks away. The singles draw is already set. The wildcards are handed out. But the doubles field is still open. Williams knows that the doubles court is lower pressure. She can test her movement. She can get used to the grass. And if she wins a match or two, the narrative changes. She is back in contention. Not for the title but for the headlines.
There is also a deeper game here. The Williams brand. She has been building her venture capital portfolio. She has a new documentary coming out. A return to tennis, even in doubles, keeps her in the spotlight. It softens the ground for future business moves.
I have spoken to a former coach. He told me: 'Serena does not do anything without a purpose. She is not here to make up the numbers. She wants to win. Even at 44.'
The reaction from the other players has been mixed. Some see it as a gimmick. Others respect the competitive drive. Andy Murray, who has played doubles himself this year, said: 'If she wants to play, she has earned the right. It will be great for the tournament.'
For now, the draw is not out. The partner is not confirmed. But the leak is real. The return is happening. Watch this space.
The queen is back. Even if not on the singles throne.
