Overview
- Williams, who won on Tuesday, partnered 19-year-old Victoria Mboko to beat third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar‑Martinez 7‑6(7/2), 6‑2 in her first professional match since the 2022 US Open.
- She reentered the sport’s anti‑doping testing pool late last year, a step that restored her eligibility for wildcards and made this comeback possible.
- The 44‑year‑old served at speeds up to about 120 mph, closed the match with consecutive aces and was credited with strong on‑court power despite admitting some rust.
- Williams’ husband Alexis Ohanian and daughters Olympia and Adira watched from the stands as a capacity crowd greeted her return, and she said family reasons helped drive the decision to play.
- She will play Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund next at Queen’s and is scheduled for Berlin doubles from June 15–21, while she remains undecided about any singles or Wimbledon plans and says more training would be needed.