Serena Williams is set to return to the WTA Tour at the HSBC Championships in Queen’s Club at age 44, four years after her farewell match at the US Open.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has accepted a wild card invitation to play doubles at the upcoming Queen’s Club grass-court tournament in London, the WTA Tour announced.

During her time away, the former highest-earning woman in sport has expanded her business portfolio and inked major endorsement deals—including a multi-year partnership with Ro, a digital health platform that provides GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. The Queen’s Club tournament starts next Monday 8 June, with Victoria Mboko, 19-year-old Canadian ranked No. 9..

A return on grass will raise speculation that Williams also plans to compete at Wimbledon, which starts June 28. She’s won seven singles titles at the All-England Club.

In 2025, Williams opened up about her experience taking Zepbound, citing not only weight loss but improved health overall. “Some of my health stats are even better than they were when I was playing tennis professionally, if you can imagine that!” she said.

With her return to professional competition looming, questions follow. What does the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) say about GLP-1 drugs like Zepbound and Ozempic? Do they enhance or impair performance? And would Serena need to stop taking them while competing?

Serena brought the game to another level, and it is incredible for the sport that she’s pushing the boundaries and coming back,” said Martina Navratilova, the previous oldest former No. 1 to launch a comeback, at age 43 years, 10 months.

William’s comeback journey began in February after re-registering with tennis’ mandatory anti-doping program six months earlier.

Williams’ older sister, Venus, is still playing occasionally at 45.

WTA chair Valerie Camillo said that “Serena is one of the greatest athletes of all-time, with a legacy that extends far beyond the court.