Serena Williams will attempt a Wimbledon singles comeback at 44, accepting a wild card entry despite playing only two doubles matches since re-entering the anti-doping testing pool. The 23-time Grand Slam champion last competed professionally nearly four years ago, making this return unprecedented for a player of her age.

Her grass-court preparation has been rocky. Williams impressed in her opening doubles match at Queen's Club with a 120mph serve, but partner Victoria Mboko's injury limited her campaign. She then suffered a first-round doubles loss at the Berlin Open alongside Karolina Muchova. Former Olympic champion Monica Puig expressed surprise at the quick turnaround but praised Williams' competitive mindset.

Williams hasn't won a Wimbledon singles match since reaching back-to-back finals in 2018-2019, both straight-set losses. Lindsay Davenport noted the American looks in better shape than when she left tennis, though grass demands quick reactions and physical readiness that four years away from competition makes challenging.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli highlighted how playing in front of her children gave Williams strength during her Queen's Club performance. While acknowledging the physical challenges of returning at 45 in September, Bartoli called herself 'absolutely thrilled' to see the legend back competing, recognizing that two pregnancies and extended absence make any immediate impact uncertain.