It's official: Serena Williams (44) is returning to compete in singles at the Grand Slam tournament of Wimbledon. This was announced by the tennis legend and the account of the London traditional tournament in a joint Instagram post. "This is not a drill", wrote the Wimbledon organizers in the statement. And: "Serena Williams will compete in the 2026 Wimbledon ladies' singles as a wildcard player".
With a wildcard, tournaments can invite players who would not normally have made it into the main draw based on their world ranking position. In addition to young talents, well-known athletes who are returning from an injury break, for example, often receive such a free pass.
A few days ago, Serena Williams had already received a wildcard for the doubles at Wimbledon. She will compete there alongside her older sister Venus Williams (46). With the words "reunited, at Wimbledon", the tennis tournament had announced the comeback of the Williams Sisters via Instagram.
Serena Williams: Comeback in stages
In December 2025, Serena Williams had first sparked comeback rumors. Her name appeared on a list of female tennis players who had registered for doping tests.
In early June of this year, it became reality. Serena Williams returned at the Queen's Club Championships in London. She competed in doubles alongside Canadian Victoria Mboko (19). With the colleague more than twice her junior, she won the first round. However, due to an injury to Mboko, she had to end the tournament.
Last week, the American started at the Berlin Open with Czech player Karolina Muchova (29). However, the duo lost in the first round. Now comes the return in singles and alongside her sister, with whom she has already won the doubles title at Wimbledon six times.
After the US Open in September 2022, Serena Williams had ended her great career. Since her professional debut in 1995, she had won 23 Grand Slam singles titles. In women's tennis during the so-called Open Era since 1968, no player has achieved more victories. In addition, there are 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
