Serena Williams, Victoria Mboko Beat No. 3 Seeds 7-6(2), 6-2 in Queen's Comeback
Updated
Updated · WTA Tennis · Jun 10
Serena Williams, Victoria Mboko Beat No. 3 Seeds 7-6(2), 6-2 in Queen's Comeback
3 articles · Updated · WTA Tennis · Jun 10
Summary
Williams and 19-year-old Mboko opened their Queen's partnership by knocking out Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in straight sets, moving into the quarterfinals.
Mboko drove the win by not facing a break point and holding firm from the backhand side, while Williams mixed early rust with flashes of vintage shotmaking.
Two late aces from Williams—93 mph and 102 mph—helped seal the match, and she said afterward she "had so much fun out there."
The pair next face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund, who advanced after saving match point against Alexandra Panova and Demi Schuurs.
The victory extends Williams' return after a four-year absence, with heavy fan attention at Queen's underscoring her enduring pull in the sport.
After a dominant doubles return, could a singles appearance at Wimbledon be Serena's next surprise move?
What modern science and training secrets are fueling Serena Williams's powerful comeback at age 44?
Is Serena Williams truly just playing for fun, or is a 24th Grand Slam secretly the ultimate goal?
Serena Williams Returns: 2026 Queen’s Club Doubles Comeback, Partnership with Mboko, and Future Singles Prospects
Overview
Serena Williams made a highly anticipated return to professional tennis on June 9, 2026, at the Queen's Club, playing doubles with Victoria Mboko. This marked her first match in nearly four years and generated considerable excitement among fans, who could watch the event live on Tennis Channel 2. Williams and Mboko faced the strong team of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe, and her performance was described as a strong start to her comeback. Choosing doubles for her return showed Williams' strategic approach, making her comeback a significant moment in tennis history.