Serena Williams returns to winning ways as Alexis Ohanian and daughters cheer from the stands

Nearly four years after her last professional match, Serena Williams walked back onto a tennis court and instantly became the biggest story at Queen’s Club. The 44-year-old American legend returned to competition at the HSBC Championships in London in June 2026, teaming up with 19-year-old Canadian star Victoria Mboko in doubles.

Their comeback match ended in a straight-sets win over third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe, giving Williams her first professional victory in 1,375 days. What followed was a mix of powerful tennis, emotional family support, and a reminder that Serena’s presence still has the power to light up the sport.

Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko deliver a winning start at Queen’s Club

Although she had been away from professional tennis since the 2022 US Open, there were plenty of signs that her competitive instincts were still intact.The opening set was tight, with both teams pushing each other all the way to a tiebreak. One of the loudest reactions of the day came when Serena chased down an overhead shot and fired back a winner that left the crowd roaring. It was the kind of point fans had missed seeing from her for years.

Williams and Mboko stayed calm in the tiebreak and took the first set 7-6(2). Once they gained momentum, they looked far more comfortable. The second set moved quickly as they pulled away for a 6-2 win to complete a memorable comeback victory. Serena later praised her young partner, saying she enjoyed playing alongside Mboko and felt comfortable relying on her during important moments. The win was about more than just a scoreline. It showed that even at 44, Serena could still compete against top-level opponents and handle pressure on a big stage.

Alexis Ohanian, Olympia and Adira celebrate Serena Williams’ return

The story was just as emotional off the court. In the stands, Serena’s husband Alexis Ohanian watched alongside their daughters, Olympia and Adira. After the match, Ohanian shared family photos on X and wrote: “We’re so proud of you mama - cheering section.” The pictures captured the excitement surrounding a comeback that meant as much to Serena’s family as it did to tennis fans.

Unfortunately, the partnership’s run did not last long. During her singles match against Karolina Pliskova, Mboko slipped on the grass and injured her knee.

The injury forced her to retire from that match and withdraw from the doubles event. As a result, Serena and Mboko were unable to play their scheduled quarterfinal. Even so, the early exit could not erase what happened a day earlier. Serena returned after years away, won her first match back, and reminded the tennis world why she remains one of the sport’s most influential figures. For one afternoon at Queen’s Club, the focus was not on rankings, titles or future plans. It was simply about seeing Serena Williams back where she belongs, competing, smiling and enjoying the game she helped transform.