"Why Not?": Serena Williams on Her Return to Professional Tennis Serena Williams addressed the public for the first time since announcing her comeback, explaining her decision to return to professional tennis at age 44. The 23-time Grand Slam champion, who has long maintained that she has "nothing to prove," reflected on her motivations, her partnership with Victoria Mboko, and her perspective on legacy. Her response to the question of why she is returning was succinct: "Why not?" Williams recounted how she initially hesitated but eventually embraced the idea after discussions with friends and a sense of curiosity about new possibilities. A key factor in her decision is her desire to ensure her daughters, 8-year-old Olympia and 2-year-old Adira, witness the dedication and perseverance required to achieve greatness. "It's also that an athlete is the best thing that you can be in the highest place," Williams said. "Having an opportunity to still be able to possibly do that one last time is kind of cool and exciting." This sentiment aligns with the motivations of other athletes, such as Novak Djokovic, who cited wanting his children to see him compete at the highest level. Williams has chosen Victoria Mboko, a 19-year-old World No. 9 and No. 3 seed at Queen's, as her doubles partner for the HSBC Championships. Mboko, who grew up idolizing Williams, described the partnership as a surreal experience. She recalled first watching Williams win the 2012 US Open at age six and later being courtside for her appearances in Toronto. Mboko emphasized that Williams' consistent success made her an easy idol. "Seeing someone on TV versus actually talking to them in person and having conversations, it's very different," Mboko said. "I think she's really nice, and she's very personable. Like, very relatable.#victoria_mboko #serena_williams #hsbc_championships #olympia_williams #adira_williams
Serena Williams Returns to Tennis in Doubles at Queen's Club, Focuses on Family and Fun Serena Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, is embracing a new chapter in her tennis career as she prepares to make her competitive return at the HSBC Championships in London. The 44-year-old, who has not played since her farewell match at the 2022 US Open, has been granted a wild card for the women’s doubles event, partnering 19-year-old Canadian Victoria Mboko at the Queen’s Club. This marks her first competitive appearance since stepping away from the sport, a decision she once described as “evolving away” from tennis. Williams expressed her decision to return as a simple “Why not?” remark, emphasizing that her focus is not on winning but on enjoying the experience. “I don’t need to win,” she said. “I’ve won more than most people have in their whole lives, so it’s not that important to me. It’s important that I keep reminding myself of that because I don’t have anything to prove.” She highlighted her lack of pressure, stating, “I don’t have anything to lose, and everything here is just to gain.” The mother of two also revealed that her return is deeply tied to her family. “For me right now, it’s really just about so many elements,” she said. “It’s really about my kids getting to see me play. Olympia is a little bit older, Adira is very young.” Williams described the opportunity to compete as “cool and exciting,” noting that being an athlete remains “the best thing you can be in the highest place.” While Williams has not ruled out a return to singles, she acknowledged that it is not imminent. “I can’t say no right now,” she said. “I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles, and we will see if I get there, and if not… that’s not my journey right now.#victoria_mboko #serena_williams #queen_s_club #hsbc_championships #adira
Andy Roddick Raises Wimbledon Concern for Maja Chwalinska After French Open Run: 'Ain't Getting One Over Serena' Andy Roddick, a former U.S. Open champion, expressed doubts about Maja Chwalinska’s chances of securing a Wimbledon wildcard, citing the challenges posed by Serena Williams’ anticipated return to professional tennis. On the latest episode of the Served Podcast, Roddick noted that Chwalinska’s path to the Wimbledon main draw is complicated by the likelihood of Serena Williams claiming a wildcard slot. “She isn’t getting one over Serena if she decides to play,” Roddick said, highlighting the competitive landscape shaped by Williams’ comeback. Chwalinska, who will qualify for Wimbledon’s main draw next year, faces a critical hurdle this season: securing a wildcard for the tournament. The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) allocates wildcards based on factors like prestige, Championship history, and the potential to boost local interest. Roddick pointed out that Serena Williams’ return to doubles at the HSBC Championships in London—her first tournament since the 2022 U.S. Open—would likely consume one of these slots. He cited Petra Kvitova’s example, who received a wildcard as a past champion, to illustrate the prioritization of established names. Roddick’s concerns were amplified by the case of Lois Boisson, a French Open semifinalist in 2023 who failed to secure a Wimbledon wildcard despite her breakthrough performance. Boisson, ranked No. 361 at the start of the year, surged to No. 65 after her run at Roland Garros but missed out on a wildcard due to the AELTC’s strict entry cutoff date. The deadline for main draw entry and wildcard allocation falls six weeks before Wimbledon, and Boisson’s ranking increase came too late to qualify.#andy_roddick #maja_chwalinska #serena_williams #all_england_lawn_tennis_club #lois_boisson
Prediction Pieri De Jong - Montemar 2026 Ofner Carreno Busta 40 6 3 3 40 3 6 3 Martincova Stefanini 15 6 3 40 2 1 Gueymard Wayenburg Gentzsch 00 5 3 00 7 4 Knutson Minnen 4 1 6 4 6 6 6 Sabalenka Gauff 19:00 Altmaier Bondioli 14:40 Burruchaga Prado Angelo 18:00 Montemar 2026 - 1st round [Pieri, Samuele [Q]] ATP 494 live 494 [De Jong, Robin [Q]] ATP 494 live 494 Miami 2005: Federer's Epic 2-Set Comeback vs. Nadal Ignites Legendary Fedal Rivalry In a defining moment of their storied rivalry, Roger Federer staged a remarkable comeback against Rafael Nadal in the 2005 Miami Masters. After losing the first set, Federer clawed his way back to win the second and third sets, securing a hard-fought victory. This match is often cited as a turning point in their rivalry, showcasing Federer's resilience and Nadal's ability to adapt under pressure. The win solidified Federer's status as a top-tier player and set the stage for future clashes between the two legends. Federer-Kyrgios Duel in 2017: A Test of Endurance and Strategy The 2017 Miami Open semifinal between Roger Federer and Alexander Zverev highlighted the evolving dynamics of men's tennis. Federer, then 34, faced a younger, aggressive Zverev, who pushed him to his limits. Despite the physical toll, Federer's tactical brilliance and experience shone through, leading to a hard-fought victory. The match underscored Federer's ability to adapt to new challenges and remain competitive at the highest level. John Isner's 2018 Miami Triumph: A Masterclass in Consistency John Isner's 2018 Miami Open victory over Adrian Mannarino was a testament to his relentless work ethic and mental fortitude. Isner, known for his towering serve, dominated the match with precision and composure, overcoming early challenges to secure a crucial win.#roger_federer #alexander_zverev #rafael_nadal #john_isner #serena_williams
