Serena Williams accepts Wimbledon singles wild card at age 44
Serena Williams has accepted a wild card to play singles at Wimbledon, marking her first Grand Slam singles appearance in nearly four years at the age of 44.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped away from professional tennis in 2022 to focus on life outside of the sport.
However, speculation regarding a return intensified late last year when the American re-entered the stringent anti-doping testing pool.
Following recent doubles appearances on grass, the former world number one will now chance her arm in the main singles draw at the All England Club.
Surprising singles entry
Her singles entry comes as a slight shock, given she has only played two competitive doubles matches in the build-up to the prestigious tournament.
An opening doubles victory at Queen’s Club was cut short by partner Victoria Mboko’s injury, followed by a first-round defeat alongside Karolina Muchova in Berlin.
Despite the limited preparation, Olympic gold medallist Monica Puig admitted the return is a thrilling prospect for the sport.
“I just didn’t think she was going to come back that soon after hearing that interview, but I just think it’s really exciting.”
Monica Puig
A champion’s pedigree
Alongside her unexpected singles bid, the seven-time Wimbledon winner will also partner her sister Venus in the doubles competition.
The legendary sibling duo will enter the doubles tournament with a combined age of 90.
Puig emphasised that the returning star will not offer any opponents an easy passage through the draw despite her lengthy absence.
“She’s a great competitor so you know what to expect when you face her on court.”
Monica Puig
Entering a major tournament without playing a competitive singles match in almost 48 months represents a significant physical gamble.
Nevertheless, her unmatched pedigree on the London grass ensures her comeback will capture global attention.
