Laura Robson reveals how stunning Serena Williams comeback transpired as superstar announces Queen's return - ‘It's been a great secret to keep’

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, retired from tennis following the 2022 US Open, seemingly bringing the curtain down on a legendary career.

She previously dismissed talk of a comeback last year, but reports resurfaced in the last week that Williams was on the verge of a sensational return after she completed the mandatory six months in the anti-doping testing pool.

And Robson, who is the tournament director at Queen’s, has now explained how it all came about.

”Firstly, I'm very excited to have Serena at Queen's,” Robson said. ”You know, those of us who are part of the tournament have known about it for a little while, so it's been a great secret to keep.

”It just came about because she let us know that she was practising, basically let us know that it was on the table, and from then on, we were checking in with her, making sure that she has everything she needs in order to compete, and so far, so good.

”She's in London and ready to go.”

The news quickly raised questions about the motivation behind her comeback. Will she stick to doubles, or does she harbour ambitions of returning to singles and perhaps even adding to her Grand Slam haul?

Beyond Queen’s, Robson admitted she has ”no idea” what Williams’ plans are but said a feeling of ”unfinished business” could be a factor.

”I think more than anything, it's a passion for the game,” Robson added. ”I don't know how early on she picked up a racquet, but you pick up a racquet, you find the joy again in it, and you think, ‘Oh, I'm maybe better than I expected’.

”And for Serena, I can imagine that the ball-striking ability never went away. So, from then on, she just felt like she had a bit of unfinished business, but yeah, I honestly just feel like she loves the game so much that she wanted to come back and compete.”

On what she expects to see from Williams at Queen’s, Robson continued: ”I have no expectations of level. I mean it's just a bit of an unknown, but at the same time I don't think she's the type of person who would come back unless she felt that she was completely ready, which is what I've heard as well from her camp, that she wants to compete and she's feeling good, so my expectations are just excitement.

”I think the fans are going to be absolutely buzzing. We're going to be buzzing from a tournament perspective. We are buzzing.”

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