She’s always right: Serena Williams reveals daughter’s role in Wimbledon comeback
Serena Williams has revealed that her daughter Olympia played a key role in persuading her to make a stunning return to Wimbledon, where she will reunite with sister Venus Williams in the women’s doubles competition.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, who returned to professional tennis earlier this month after almost four years away from the sport, confirmed that a conversation with her eight-year-old daughter inspired the Wimbledon comeback.
Serena and Venus were given a wild card for the doubles draw at Wimbledon 2026, making their first All England Club appearance together in ten years and their first Grand Slam appearance as a team since the 2022 US Open.
“My daughter Olympia told me I should play with Venus. She’s always right. I was like, ‘Okay Olympia. Let’s see if we can do it,'” Serena said.
Serena Williams says daughter Olympia told her she should play doubles with Venus at Wimbledon:
“My daughter Olympia told me I should play with Venus. She’s always right. I said to myself, Okay Olympia. Let’s see if we can do it.” pic.twitter.com/IIkacYLKdL— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 16, 2026
SERENA LEAVES OPEN FROM BERLIN
However, Serena’s preparations for Wimbledon suffered a setback at the Berlin Open. Serena, partner of Czech star Karolina Muchová in the doubles tournament, was eliminated in the first round after defeating Erin Routliffe and Giuliana Olmos in straight sets. The loss came in just her second tournament since returning to competitive tennis.
Wimbledon will also mark Serena’s first Grand Slam appearance since the 2022 US Open. Her last singles match before retiring from the sport came at Flushing Meadows, where she lost to Ajla Tomljanovic in the third round. Although Serena never officially used the word “retirement,” she said she “evolved” from tennis after that tournament.
The 44-year-old surprised the tennis world by returning to action at Queen’s Club earlier this month. Speaking about her comeback, Serena made it clear that the decision was driven by family rather than trophies or records.
“It’s really about my kids seeing me play,” Serena said before her return. She added that she no longer has anything to prove in the sport and is simply enjoying the opportunity to compete again.
Now, with the encouragement of Olympia and Venus at her side, Serena steps onto the Wimbledon grass again. The Williams sisters, winners of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and six Wimbledon crowns combined, will look to add another memorable chapter to one of tennis’ greatest partnerships.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
17 Jun 2026 17:01 IST