Tennis legend Serena Williams has confirmed her return to competitive tennis after an absence of almost four years, with the American set to feature in the women’s doubles event at Queen’s Club in London later this month.

Williams, 44, has not played a professional match since her third-round defeat at the 2022 US Open, which was widely regarded as the final tournament of her illustrious career.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion announced her comeback on Monday through a social media post featuring a video of herself on court in an all-white Nike tennis outfit, accompanied by the caption: “Good news travels fast.”

Speculation about a possible return had intensified after it emerged in December that Williams had re-entered the anti-doping programme, a requirement for players seeking to compete on the professional circuit.

At the time, however, she dismissed suggestions of a comeback, writing on social media: “Omg yall, I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.”

Williams has now been granted a wild card entry for the women’s doubles competition at the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club, where she is expected to partner rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko.

“Queen’s Club feels like the perfect place to begin this next chapter,” Williams said.

“Grass has given me some of the most meaningful moments of my career, and I’m excited to be back competing on one of the sport’s most iconic stages.”

The women’s tournament at Queen’s is scheduled to begin on June 8.

Tournament director Laura Robson welcomed the development, describing Williams as one of the greatest athletes in sporting history.

“Serena Williams is one of the greatest athletes the world has ever seen, and we’re delighted that she will be making her return to tennis at the LTA’s HSBC Championships,” Robson said.

“Women’s tennis made a historic return to the Queen’s Club last year, and now we have an icon of the game stepping back on to court.”

Williams remains one of the most decorated players in tennis history, having won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and seven Wimbledon crowns during a career that transformed women’s tennis and inspired generations of athletes worldwide.