Serena Williams to Compete in Wimbledon 2026 Singles

Serena Williams will compete in the singles draw at Wimbledon 2026 after receiving a wild card. The announcement came June 18, following her recent return to doubles events.

What happened

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, last played in singles at the 2022 U.S. Open, where she lost in the first round. This marks her first singles entry since that match. During a news conference at Queen’s, she stated, “I feel like I’m probably going to train a little bit more. I want to play singles and we’ll see if I get there.” She recently competed in doubles at the Berlin Tennis Open with her sister Venus, who also received a wild card. Williams’ entry into the Wimbledon singles event was confirmed after a wild card was reserved for her.

Why it matters

Williams’ return to Wimbledon singles generates excitement within the tennis community, underscoring her legacy as a transformational figure in the sport. With 73 titles and nearly $95 million in prize money, she remains a significant cultural icon. Her participation presents high stakes as she may face top players like Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Świątek, who idolized her, testing her physical and competitive abilities against a new generation of athletes.

Background

Williams played her final singles match at the U.S. Open on September 3, 2022, marking the end of a career that began in 1995. After stepping back from professional tennis, she focused on family and personal growth. On February 20, 2023, she became eligible to enter tournaments again after a six-month period in the anti-doping testing pool. Speculation about her return grew during the spring, culminating in her wild card entry at Wimbledon.

What's next

Williams will participate in the Wimbledon singles draw starting July 3, 2026, representing a crucial moment in her ongoing comeback.