'I don't have anything to prove': Serena Williams, 44, 'can't say no' to singles return

(Getty/Luke Walker)

Serena Williams has left the door open for a singles return, but in the meantime, she is focused on doubles and adjusting to life on tour.

The 44-year-old retired after the US Open in 2022, and there were no signs of any comeback until she quietly re-entered the doping testing pool late last year, sparking strong rumours of a return.

Williams immediately denied the rumours, explaining at the time that she's "not coming back", yet last week, in the midst of all the chaos at Roland Garros, she confirmed the inevitable.

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The American legend will play her first competitive tournament in almost four years when she partners Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in the doubles draw of the Queen's Club Championships.

Williams' sister, Venus, is still competing on tour age 45, but does Serena have plans to follow suit?

"I can't say no right now [to a singles return], I feel like I probably need to train a little bit more if I want to play singles, and we will see if I get there, and if not… that's not my journey right now," Williams said in a press conference.

A 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, 14 major doubles titles and a former world No.1 amongst countless other achievements, Williams made it clear that there is "no pressure" attached.

"I don't need to win," she said.

"I've won more than most people have in their whole lives, so it's not that important to me, and it's important that I keep reminding myself of that because I don't have anything to prove.

"I don't have anything to lose, and everything here is just to gain… This whole journey is like, I'm putting no pressure on myself."

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