Serena Williams’ return joins the greatest comebacks in women’s sports

Serena Williams will return to professional tennis after nearly four years away, competing in doubles at the HSBC Championships in London on June 8. The 44-year-old mother of two announced her comeback on June 1, ending her retirement to take part in her first event since stepping away in 2022. Williams’ return follows another historic comeback in 2017, when she won the Australian Open while pregnant and later returned to the court after complications from a pulmonary embolism. She reached the Wimbledon finals in 2018 and 2019, proving her resilience in the face of adversity. Her story joins other notable comebacks in women’s sports. Lindsey Vonn, 41, returned from partial knee surgery to compete in the 2026 Olympics, despite suffering a severe crash that required hospitalization. Brittney Griner overcame a 10-month detention in Russia, returning to the WNBA in 2023 as Comeback Player of the Year and winning Olympic gold in 2024. Simone Biles returned from a two-year mental health hiatus to dominate the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning three golds and a silver. Dara Torres swam at three Olympics after a seven-year break, winning medals at ages 41 and 45. Allyson Felix, the most decorated U.S. track and field athlete, announced her comeback to aim for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. These athletes exemplify perseverance, each overcoming unique challenges to reclaim their place in elite competition.