Serena returns: Williams makes a winning comeback in doubles at Queen’s Club with Mboko

Canadian tennis player Victoria Mboko says she’s ‘always admired’ Serena Williams on the court, noting her excitement to play with Williams in the match.

LONDON — After nearly four years away from professional tennis, Serena Williams made a winning return at Queen’s Club on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old Williams showed she still has plenty of her trademark power, hitting service winners of up to 120 mph as she teamed up with 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko to win their opening doubles match at the grass-court tournament.

Williams and Mboko beat third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (2), 6-2 in Williams’ first professional match since the 2022 U.S. Open. She served out the match with two aces followed by a service winner.

The American last week announced her return to doubles, but has yet to decide whether to target a comeback in singles as well.

Mattias Karén, The Associated Press