Serena Williams will play her first singles match in nearly four years at Wimbledon on Tuesday, facing No. 53-ranked Maya Joint. The 23-time major champion has methodically prepared for this return, competing in doubles at the HSBC Championships and Berlin Open alongside sister Venus. Her comeback follows months of behind-the-scenes work with coaches Jarmere Jenkins and Rennae Stubbs.

The speculation began in December 2025 when Williams quietly reentered the ITIA testing pool, though she initially denied any comeback plans. By February, she posted serving videos on TikTok and began intensive training with WTA player Alycia Parks. Tournament director Laura Robson confirmed Williams wanted to ensure adequate preparation before committing to the HSBC Championships, where she eventually made her doubles return.

Williams' physical transformation stems from her use of GLP-1 medication Zepbound, which helped her lose 32 pounds and alleviate joint pain from childbirth. She partnered with telehealth company Ro to manage her health, with husband Alexis Ohanian as an investor. The weight loss improved her mobility and reduced inflammation, according to biomechanist Dr. Sarah Shultz.

At 44 with two children, Williams faces questions about competing against players nearly half her age. However, her dominant serve and powerful hitting remain intact. This comeback prioritizes enjoyment over legacy-building, with her team emphasizing happiness as the sole metric for success.