Serena Williams Set for Singles Return at Wimbledon 2026

Serena Williams will make her singles comeback at Wimbledon 2026, following a wild card entry by the tournament on Sunday. As a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams last played singles at the 2022 U.S. Open, ending her initial career phase with a three-set loss to Ajla Tomljanović from Australia. Since then, she has been making her way back into the sport through doubles matches, notably teaming up with her sister Venus Williams, 46, in the Wimbledon doubles event.

During several news conferences at preparatory events in London and Berlin, Williams shared mixed feelings about returning to singles. At Queen’s, after a winning doubles match with Canada’s Victoria Mboko, she expressed a desire to train further. “I want to play singles and we’ll see if I get there,” she said, hinting at her uncertain journey back to singles.

In Berlin, following a loss with partner Karolína Muchová, Williams was reticent when asked about a possible singles wild card for Wimbledon. At that point, the first batch of wild cards had been announced, confirming her doubles entry with Venus, but one spot in the women’s singles draw remained. It is now confirmed as hers.

Williams avoided officially retiring four years ago, stating she was “evolving away” from tennis. With her children now aged 8 and 3, she spoke of wanting them to see her playing competitively. After completing anti-doping testing requirements over six months, she became eligible to enter tournaments in February. When her participation rumors resurfaced on social media in December, she dismissed them in a post, stating, “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” However, an interview on the “Today” show in January kept the speculation alive as she laughed when asked about returning.

Her return marks the continuation of an influential career. Williams holds 23 singles Grand Slam titles, the highest of any woman during the Open Era, alongside 14 women’s doubles and two in mixed doubles. Since her last Wimbledon win in 2016, she has won a total of 73 singles titles and earned nearly $95 million in prize money, becoming a cultural icon beyond the tennis court.

Williams transformed tennis, influencing who plays, watches, and how they perceive the sport.

Facing today’s tennis stars will be a key test of her comeback. Many younger players grew up watching and admiring her, such as Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff. Her return aligns with her belief expressed at Queen’s that everything gained now is a bonus, regardless of past achievements. “I don’t need to win. I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives. I don’t have anything to lose. Everything is just a gain,” she stated.

Analysis by senior tennis writer Charlie Eccleshare highlights the significance of Williams’ return to singles. Her doubles participation after a four-year hiatus was already notable, yet this singles wild card emphasizes a more significant comeback. While playing in a Grand Slam doubles event at 44 years old is impressive, singles competition presents a different challenge due to its physical demands. Although Williams may rely on her powerful serve, especially effective on grass, matching the younger competitors’ fitness levels remains a substantial challenge.

Her aura might intimidate some opponents, as seen at Queen’s when Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez faced her. A singles match on Centre Court against Williams will be unique, resembling Martina Navratilova’s 2004 return at age 47, albeit with anticipated greater media buzz.

Winning matches at this year’s Wimbledon would indeed be a monumental feat. While expectations will surround her, the focus for Williams lies in the joy of playing again and allowing her children to witness her career firsthand. As the tournament approaches, how long Williams will maintain her current mindset is uncertain, dependent on her results. Nevertheless, with this singles entry, tennis fans are gearing up for an eventful Wimbledon.