American tennis legend, Serena Williams, has confirmed her return to professional tennis nearly four years after stepping away from the sport.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is set to compete in the women’s doubles event at Queen’s Club Championships later this month in London.

The 44-year-old has not played competitively since her third-round defeat to Ajla Tomljanović at the US Open in 2022.

Williams confirmed her comeback through a social media post that read, “Good news travels fast,” accompanied by a video showing her practicing on court in an all-white tennis outfit.

Speculation over her return had intensified in December after reports emerged that she had re-entered the anti-doping programme required for players seeking to return to the tour. At the time, however, Williams dismissed suggestions of a comeback.

She has now been granted a wild card entry for the women’s doubles event at Queen’s, where she is expected to partner rising Canadian player Victoria Mboko.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams said.

“Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.”

The women’s tournament at Queen’s Club is scheduled to begin on June 8.

Tournament director Laura Robson welcomed the development, describing Williams as one of the greatest athletes in history.

Williams won seven Wimbledon singles titles during her illustrious career and remains the most successful woman in the Open Era with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, trailing only Margaret Court on the all-time list with 24 major titles.