Serena Williams, at 44, is making a surprising return to professional tennis, confirming her participation in the women's doubles at the upcoming Cincinnati Open alongside her sister Venus, 46.
Organizers announced this week that the legendary sisters have received a wild-card entry into the doubles draw for the tournament, which takes place in Ohio next week. This marks the first time the Williams sisters will team up in the hard-court tune-up event, having last played doubles together at the 2022 U.S. Open.
Williams's return to the court also increases the possibility of her participation in the U.S. Open, scheduled to take place in New York later this month. Venus Williams, 46, is also slated to compete in mixed doubles at the U.S. Open, partnering with Alexander Bublik.
This comeback follows a series of limited appearances for Serena Williams earlier this year. Her grass-court season included a doubles match at Queen's Club with Victoria Mboko, from which they withdrew due to Mboko's knee injury. She also played a singles match in Berlin and faced Maya Joint in the first round of Wimbledon, where she suffered a knee injury. This injury ultimately prevented her from playing women's doubles with Venus at Wimbledon, despite receiving a wild-card entry.
In a social media post detailing her withdrawal from the Wimbledon doubles, Williams expressed her heartbreak but gratitude for the opportunity to compete again. She shared details of medical treatment for her knee, including the drainage of fluid, noting that while the swelling should subside, she was unable to be ready for doubles competition at that time. The post was accompanied by images showing her with a bandaged leg and using a walking stick.
Serena and Venus Williams have a decorated history in doubles, having won 14 major titles and three Olympic gold medals together. Their participation in the Cincinnati Open signals a renewed effort to compete at the highest level as they prepare for potential appearances at the U.S. Open.