Serena Williams has taken a wildcard into Wimbledon’s women’s singles, filling the final main‑draw slot. The 44‑year‑old returned to competition this month in doubles after a four‑year break and will be the surprise entry at SW19. She also holds a doubles wildcard with sister Venus, highlighting the tournament’s nod to the Williams legacy.

Williams' résumé features seven Wimbledon crowns and 73 WTA singles titles, yet she trails Margaret Court’s 24‑Grand Slam record by one. Her last Wimbledon singles victory came in 2019 before a final loss to Simona Halep, and she has not won a match at the venue since. A 87% grass‑court win rate and 319 weeks as world No. 1 underline her pedigree.

The draw, set for Friday, will reveal her opponent just days before the Championships begin on 29 June. A successful run could tighten the chase on Court’s all‑time tally, while an early exit would reaffirm her five‑year singles drought at Wimbledon. Either way, the comeback adds a high‑profile storyline to this year’s championships.

Fans and broadcasters have already speculated on how far the former world No. 1 can go, with ticket sales spiking after the wildcard announcement. Wimbledon organisers stress that the entry respects tournament integrity while offering a marquee attraction. Regardless of outcome, Williams’ presence guarantees heightened viewership and renewed discussion of her place in Grand Slam history.