Serena Williams on tennis return: ‘Why not?’
“Well, why not? For lack of a better explanation. It’s summer, the kids aren’t in school, so it’s a perfect time to get out there, have fun, and see what happens.
“I don’t need to win. I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives, so it’s not that important to me, and it’s important that I keep reminding myself of that, because I don’t have anything to prove. I don’t have anything to lose, and everything here is just to gain.”
Jamie Braidwood9 June 2026 11:10
Today’s Order of Play on the Andy Murray Arena
Starting at 12:00 PM
Emma Raducanu (GBR) vs. [Q] Anna Blinkova
Followed by
[WC] Katie Boulter (GBR) vs. [8] Leylah Fernandez (CAN) -To Be Finished (TBF) — Current Score: 3-6, 3-3*
Followed by
[WC] Mika Stojsavljevic (GBR) vs. [5] Marta Kostyuk (UKR)
Not before 5:30 PM
[WC] Victoria Mboko (CAN) & Serena Williams (USA) vs [3] Nicole Melichar-Martinez (USA) & Erin Routliffe (NZL)
Jamie Braidwood9 June 2026 11:05
First up: Emma Raducanu in singles action this afternoon
Emma Raducanu is the first match of the day on the Andy Murray Arena. The British No 1 will take on qualifier Anna Blinkova from 12pm, weather depending. It will be Raducanu’s first match on the grass this season as she builds towards Wimbledon, a tournament where she has performed well in the past. Raducanu is also scheduled to play doubles today with Katie Boulter, so a busy afternoon coming for her.
Jamie Braidwood9 June 2026 11:02
Hello and welcome
Good morning and welcome. Today at Queen’s Club, Serena Williams makes her return to tennis at the age of 44, after almost four years away from the sport. She will play her first competitive match since the 2022 US Open alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko, the world No 9 in singles. Together, the wildcard pairing will play third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe from aroundabout 5:30pm this afternoon.
Jamie Braidwood9 June 2026 11:00