Serena Williams accepts surprise wildcard for Wimbledon singles return
Seven-time champion Serena Williams will make a surprise return to singles action at Wimbledon this month after accepting a main draw wildcard.
The 44-year-old has been awarded the final spot in the women’s draw, filling a gap left following Tuesday’s initial entry announcements.
This shock comeback follows her recent competitive return in two doubles matches, ending a four-year absence from professional tennis.
Chasing Margaret Court’s elusive record
The American tennis icon currently holds 23 major singles titles, leaving her just one short of Margaret Court’s all-time record.
She had already confirmed her participation at SW19 in the doubles event alongside her older sister Venus.
When asked earlier this month about a potential singles comeback, the former world number one initially played down expectations.
“You think I’m ready for singles? I need to get to work.”
A dominant history on the London grass
The legendary competitor has not secured a singles victory at the All England Club since reaching the 2019 final against Simona Halep.
Despite recent struggles, her grass-court pedigree remains unmatched with an 87% career win-rate on the pristine surface.
The 73-time WTA tour winner captured her first Venus Rosewater Dish in 2002 after defeating her sister in the showcase match.
She subsequently dominated the tournament over the next two decades, adding six more singles triumphs and six women’s doubles crowns to her historic tally.
Overcoming recent injury heartbreaks
Recent appearances at the historic venue have ended in frustration for the career Golden Slam winner.
Her 2021 campaign lasted a mere six games before an unfortunate injury forced a tearful retirement against Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
A wildcard entry the following year saw her fall agonisingly short in a final-set tie-break against Harmony Tan.
When questioned if that defeat marked her final Wimbledon appearance, she offered a cryptic response regarding her future.
“That’s a question I can’t answer. Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up?”
Fans will discover her first-round opponent when the official tournament draw takes place this Friday, ahead of the first matches on Monday, 29 June.
