Serena Williams Says She Has ‘Nothing to Prove’ in Potential Comeback After 23 Grand Slam Singles Titles

Serena Williams has said she has “nothing to prove” as she prepares for her return to competitive tennis after almost four years away, with her main motivation being the chance for her daughters to watch her play again. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion is set to compete in the doubles event at Queen’s, which begins on Monday, alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko.

Williams, 44, said she is not putting pressure on herself as she returns to a sport she dominated for many years. She said she has already experienced enough pressure in her career and that this comeback is more about personal meaning than results. For her, the most important factor is giving her children the opportunity to see her perform on court and to share in that experience.

The American gave birth to her first daughter, Olympia, in 2017 and returned to tennis only a few months later. After Olympia’s birth, Williams went on to reach four Grand Slam singles finals, showing she remained competitive at the highest level even after becoming a mother. Her second daughter, Adira, was born in 2023 and has never seen her mother play on the professional tour.

When asked whether proving she can still win is important, Williams made clear that victory is not the goal of this return. She said she has already achieved far more than most athletes ever do and does not feel the need to validate anything. Instead, she described this stage as one where she has nothing to lose and only something to gain.

Williams also said that being an athlete remains one of the most rewarding things a person can be and that having the chance to possibly do it one more time feels exciting. Her comments suggest a relaxed approach to the comeback, focused on enjoyment, family and the experience of competing rather than rankings or titles.

In addition to Queen’s, Williams has also entered the doubles competition in Berlin next week. She did not rule out a future return to singles but said that is not part of her immediate plans. According to Williams, she would likely need more training before being ready for singles competition again.

For now, her return centers on doubles and on the personal significance of stepping back onto court. Williams said that if singles does not happen, it is simply not her path at this moment. The comeback adds a new chapter to one of tennis’s most celebrated careers, while underscoring that her priorities have shifted toward family, perspective and the joy of playing the sport again.