Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams stayed in a lavish £40,000-a-week Airbnb mansion in central London as she prepared for her return to the tournament. The six-bedroom property, spread over seven floors, served as her base while she competed in the doubles at Queens Club. Williams, 44, publicly thanked Airbnb for the "wonderful stay," noting that "a little peace goes a long way during tournament week."
She accepted a wildcard invitation to the ladies' singles just hours before the deadline, expressing uncertainty but also a desire to compete. "Honestly, I'm still not even sure, but we'll see... I feel like I'm really going to enjoy being out there," she told reporters.
The luxurious rental boasts a walled roof terrace and spacious rooms with floor-to-ceiling sash windows. Interior details include imposing crystal globe chandeliers and a long dining table. The owner of the property reportedly told Williams, "It was a privilege to host you, and we're delighted our home could provide a little peace during tournament week."
Williams' comeback bid began with a doubles match alongside 19-year-old Victoria Mboko, where they defeated the third seeds before retiring due to Mboko's injury. This was her first competitive match in four years.
Despite her excitement to be back at Wimbledon, Williams also voiced frustration with anti-doping tests, which she described as "unprofessional" and difficult, stating they were a reason she hesitated to return. She and her husband, entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian, have two children, including their second child, Adira, born in 2023.
Williams was announced as a wildcard for the doubles with her sister Venus on June 16 and later secured the final singles slot. She is scheduled to face Australian world number 53 Maya Joint in the first round. Wimbledon organisers are also contending with adverse weather conditions, including flooding in the media center and extreme heat affecting equipment during qualifiers.