LONDON – Former world number one Serena Williams hinted that she could make her long-awaited return at Wimbledon in June, exactly a year since she last played on the tour at the same Grand Slam.
Williams, 40, limped out of last year’s first-round match at Wimbledon in tears due to a leg injury.
She also skipped the Olympics in Tokyo and the US Open in 2021 due to the hamstring injury, as well as the Australian Open earlier this year.
On an Instagram story with NFL quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Serena said according to Reuters: “We’ve been talking about my comeback and he’s been hyping me up and getting me ready for Wimbledon. Can’t wait!”
When Rodgers asked her about a potential comeback at the US Open, she added: “Wimbledon’s before the US Open, I’ve got to play Wimbledon first. Exciting!”
Wimbledon runs from June 27-July 10. Williams has won the grasscourt major seven times, with her last success coming in 2016.
Earlier, her long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou revealed he was now working full-time with twice Grand Slam champion Simona Halep after speaking to Williams.
Williams, who has been on the hunt for an elusive 24th major since winning her last Grand Slam title at the 2017 Australian Open, has slipped to 246th in the women’s rankings.
She reached the final in four Grand Slams since giving birth to daughter Olympia in 2017 but lost in straight sets on each occasion.
In her time away from the court, Williams has dropped to 246th in the WTA rankings, but she should have no trouble getting wildcards.
Williams told Elle magazine that her perspective on the game has shifted since she gave birth to her daughter.
“I have 23 Grand Slams to my name, more than any other active player.
“But winning is now a desire and no longer a need.
“I have a beautiful daughter at home; I still want the titles, the success, and the esteem, but it’s not my reason for waking up in the morning.
“There is more to teach her about this game than winning. I’ve learned to dust myself off after defeat, to stand up for what matters at any cost, to call out for what’s fair—even when it makes me unpopular.
