Ajla Tomljanovic welcomes Serena Williams comeback at Queen’s Club
Australian tennis player Ajla Tomljanovic says she is unfazed about losing her place in history ahead of Serena Williams’ surprise doubles comeback at Queen’s Club this week.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion originally bowed out of professional tennis in September 2022 following a thrilling third-round defeat by Tomljanovic at the US Open.
However, the American icon is set to rewrite her final chapter by taking to the grass courts in West Kensington.
That impending return means Tomljanovic will no longer hold the distinction of being the last person to face or defeat the former world number one.
A cherished New York memory
Despite the impending shift in the record books, the Australian holds no bitterness regarding her updated status.
“I remember feeling very conflicted when I played that match, and even after, because it was over for someone that I have looked up to for a very long time.”
“I experienced that match and got the win – but that was more amazing for me. I’ll always remember and cherish that.”
“In a way, I don’t really care for these history books where I might not be the last one. That’s totally OK with me.”
An unforgettable US Open farewell
The legendary American saved five match points before eventually succumbing 7-5 6-7 (4-7) 6-1 on a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Her highly anticipated farewell tour attracted a star-studded audience to Flushing Meadows, with figures like Tiger Woods and Bill Clinton witnessing her earlier victories.
A capacity crowd of nearly 24,000 spectators watched an intense battle that lasted over three hours.
“It was a crazy match,” Tomljanovic recalled.
“I just remember being so mentally stable in that match and battling so many things that you couldn’t really prepare for.”
Speaking directly to the partisan crowd after the victory, the Australian showed immense respect for her celebrated opponent.
“I’m feeling really sorry because I love Serena just as much as you guys do,” she said on court.
“What she’s done for me, for tennis, is incredible. She is the greatest of all time.”
The Queen’s Club comeback
The veteran superstar had originally stated she was evolving away from the sport in a first-person essay prior to the New York tournament.
When pressed on a potential return immediately after the loss to Tomljanovic, the fierce competitor admitted the door was never entirely closed.
“I don’t think so, but you never know,” she said at the time.
Now, the sporting world eagerly awaits her reappearance on the prestigious grass courts of West Kensington.
