Williams is the greatest - but will she produce another great fight?

New Delhi, India Jun 22, 2026 ALN: Every great fighter thinks they have one great fight left in them.

This old adage is often applied to athletes in various s, particularly boxers who come out of retirement for one last bout. However, this sentiment resonates deeply as 44-year-old Serena Williams prepares for her anticipated return to professional . With a storied career that has captivated audiences globally, Williams is not just a competitor; she is a cultural icon who has redefined the standards of excellence in women's s.

Next week, Williams will step back onto the singles court at Wimbledon, a tournament she has previously dominated, after a four-year hiatus. The seven-time Wimbledon champion and 23-time Grand Slam singles titleholder is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Her prowess on the court and her contributions to the have left an indelible mark, and many believe she remains a formidable force, despite her lengthy absence.

However, the reality of her situation is complex. Williams has not participated in a competitive singles match since the 2022 US Open, making her return to the All England Club a bold and ambitious undertaking. While she maintains that she does not "need to win" and has "nothing to prove," her competitive spirit and desire to perform at the highest level remain undiminished. This duality of confidence and uncertainty encapsulates the essence of her comeback.

Former world number one Lindsay Davenport, who was one of Williams' main rivals during the early 2000s, remarked on Williams' relentless pursuit of excellence, stating, "Serena's mindset has always been to be the best and not settle for mediocrity. I think we have to assume that she's coming back because she feels she's in a position where she can make an impact immediately in women's ." This perspective underscores the motivation that drives Williams, even as she faces the challenges that come with age and time away from the .

Williams' return to singles action was anticipated following her participation in doubles matches at Queen's, where she showcased her skills alongside younger players. The US Open, which begins in late August, might have seemed like a more logical starting point for her comeback. However, after playing two doubles matches and engaging in rigorous practice sessions at Wimbledon, Williams believes she is prepared to compete at a venue where she has enjoyed significant success.

Many athletes dream of recapturing their former glory, yet the reality of competing at a high level after an extended absence can prove daunting. Williams, who will turn 45 in September, is the oldest player in the women's singles main draw by a considerable margin, with six years separating her from Germany's Tatjana Maria, the next oldest player with direct entry. This age disparity raises questions about her physical readiness and ability to withstand the rigors of a demanding tournament.

While Williams serves as an inspiration to millions, promoting the message that one can achieve greatness at any age, the challenges posed by her age cannot be overlooked. Competing against younger athletes who are often in their prime presents a formidable barrier. The majority of the leading women's players are approximately 20 years younger than Williams, including 28-year-old world number one Aryna Sabalenka and reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek, who is 25. These younger competitors bring a level of athleticism and stamina that will test Williams' capabilities.

Davenport highlighted the difficulties of returning to the at an older age, particularly on grass, stating, "It doesn't get easy as you get older and grass is a tough surface to start on. The ball goes very quick, very low and it's very physical - there is a lot of bending. It's not going to be easy [but] if anyone could do it, certainly it could be her." This statement encapsulates the dual nature of Williams' situation: her extraordinary talent and determination juxtaposed against the inevitable challenges of aging.

Other former champions have faced similar struggles in their attempts to return to competitive play. Kim Clijsters, who returned to the tour at age 36 in 2020, was unable to win any of her five matches over the next 18 months. Meanwhile, three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber had a more favorable comeback in 2024 but still faced early exits in major tournaments. Kerber noted, "It's easier to see on TV how the girls are playing and say 'OK I can still do it.' But working every day, going to the practice courts, going to the gym, sweating, is what you have to do." This sentiment underscores the rigorous preparation required to compete at the highest level, a reality that Williams must navigate as she attempts to reclaim her place among the elite.

Since her last Grand Slam victory at the 2017 Australian Open, Williams has faced numerous challenges, including the life-altering experience of becoming a mother to two daughters—Olympia, now eight, and Adira, aged two. The transition into motherhood has brought both joy and adversity, as Williams has openly discussed the struggles of balancing her family life with her athletic ambitions. After her first comeback attempt in 2018, Williams reached four Grand Slam finals—twice at Wimbledon and twice at the US Open—but unfortunately, she lost each of those matches. Her last two Wimbledon appearances in 2021 and 2022 ended in first-round defeats, raising concerns about her ability to compete effectively after such a lengthy absence.

Despite these challenges, Williams possesses an unparalleled technical talent and an aura that few athletes can match. While the prospect of winning a 24th major title to tie Margaret Court's all-time women's record may seem out of reach, Williams likely views the current landscape of the WTA Tour as an opportunity. The tour is characterized by a level of competitiveness that is both open and unpredictable, providing a glimmer of hope that she can still secure victories against certain opponents.

Williams' powerful serve, which has historically been one of her greatest weapons, could prove particularly effective on the grass courts of Wimbledon. She will undoubtedly aim to leverage her opening shot to earn free points, a strategy that could enhance her chances of advancing in the tournament. Additionally, the atmosphere of Wimbledon, especially if she faces a less experienced opponent, may play to her advantage. The electric ambiance of Centre Court can be overwhelming for younger players, potentially allowing Williams to capitalize on their nerves.

World number nine Victoria Mboko, who recently played doubles with Williams at Queen's, expressed confidence in the veteran's readiness, stating, "She has such clean ball striking. She could take years off and once she steps on the court she could probably find her rhythm and timing again." Such endorsements from younger players highlight the respect and admiration Williams commands within the community, as well as the belief that she can still compete at a high level.

In her prime, Williams was the epitome of fitness and athleticism, setting benchmarks for physical conditioning in women's . Last year, she candidly admitted to using weight loss drugs to combat the stigma surrounding such medications, acknowledging her struggles with post-pregnancy weight loss—a challenge many women face. Upon her return, she appears lean and in excellent shape, prompting Davenport to comment, "We've all seen her. She looks in incredible shape and better shape than arguably when she left the tour. But we have got to be a little graceful in the time we give her until she hits her peak." This observation reflects the understanding that while Williams may look fit, regaining her competitive edge will take time and patience.

As Williams embarks on this latest chapter of her career, the question remains: how long will this comeback last? The uncertainty surrounding her future in professional adds an element of intrigue to her return. One thing is certain: the woman often regarded as the greatest of all time will approach her matches with the same tenacity and determination that have defined her career. Whether she can recapture her former glory remains to be seen, but fans and fellow competitors alike will undoubtedly witness a fierce competitor who is willing to go down swinging in her pursuit of excellence.