The wait is over. Almost four years after playing her last official match, Serena Williams will compete professionally again. The American, winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, accepted a special invitation to participate in the grass tournament at the Queen's Club in London, where she will compete in the doubles category.

The announcement was confirmed by the WTA this Monday and marks the return of one of the most influential figures in the history of tennis. Williams, 44, has not played since her farewell at the 2022 United States Open, a tournament in which she avoided talking about permanent retirement and assured that she was “evolving” towards a new stage away from the courts.

The news was also accompanied by a publication on social networks by the tennis player herself. “I guess everyone heard the news,” Serena wrote alongside a video of her answering a phone call and saying, “I have to change my number.”

The Queen's Club tournament will begin next Monday and the organization reported that the identity of her doubles partner will be announced soon. The choice of a competition on grass immediately sparked speculation about a possible participation in Wimbledon, a competition that will start on June 28 and where Serena won seven individual titles.

"Queen's Club seems like the perfect place to start this new chapter. The grass has given me some of the most significant moments of my career and I am excited to return to competing on one of the most iconic venues in the sport," Williams stated, according to AP.

Expectation on the circuit for his return

Williams' return generated reactions among current figures and tennis legends. Martina Navratilova, who previously held the mark as the oldest former number one to return to competition, highlighted the importance of the announcement.

“Serena took this sport to another level and it is incredible for tennis that she continues to break barriers and return to compete,” said the former tennis player.

Japanese Naomi Osaka also celebrated the news. "She'll bring people to watch tennis. I'm definitely going to follow her first match. I think a lot of people will too. Everyone knows that Serena and Venus were my role models growing up, so it'll be great to see her on the courts again."

Coco Gauff acknowledged that she was never able to face Williams during her career and regretted that situation. "One of my biggest regrets was not being able to play against her. It would be great for this sport to have a legend competing again."

The young American Iva Jovic shared a similar feeling. "I've never seen Serena in person. I grew up watching her play. She dominated tennis throughout my childhood, so it's going to be amazing."

John McEnroe, for his part, considered that Serena would not return to the courts without important aspirations and recalled that even he was able to compete in doubles again at the age of 47.

Williams' return will also take place on a special stage. The women's tournament was held again at Queen's Club last year after more than half a century of absence. For this reason, the American will make her debut in a historic competition that will serve as a starting point for a new stage in a career that is already part of the history of sport.