Children Inspire Serena’s Stunning Tennis Return

By Eppe Franklyne| Serena Williams has revealed that the opportunity to play in front of her children was the main reason behind her surprise return to competitive tennis, although she remains uncertain about making a comeback in singles events.

Four years after appearing to bring her remarkable career to an end, the 23-time Grand Slam champion announced that she will return to action in the doubles competition at Queen’s Club in London next week. The decision has sparked excitement across the tennis world, with fans flocking to watch the American legend train ahead of her return.

For Serena Williams, however, the motivation is deeply personal. The 44-year-old said she wants her daughters, Olympia and Adira, to experience watching her compete before she eventually steps away from the sport for good.

“For me right now, there are so many elements, you know.

“It’s really about the kids seeing me play. Olympia is a little bit older, Adira is very young. It’s components like that.

“It’s also, an athlete is the best thing you can be, in the highest place and having an opportunity to still be able to possibly do that one last time is kind of cool and exciting. And so there is a little bit of that too.”

The former world number one has received a wildcard entry into the doubles draw and will partner Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. The pair are scheduled to face third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the opening round.

While speculation continues about a possible Serena Williams comeback in singles, the American suggested she is not yet ready to make that commitment.

“For singles, I can’t say yeah and I can’t say no. Right now, no. I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles,” she said.

Despite questions over her competitive level after nearly four years away, Serena Williams insists she has nothing left to prove and is embracing the experience.

“I don’t have anything to prove, I don’t have anything to lose and everything to gain.”