The iconic sisters receive a wild card to compete together after four years apart
Category: Sports
Serena and Venus Williams are set to make a highly anticipated return to Wimbledon, as the All England Club announced on June 16, 2026, that the sisters have received a wild card entry into the women’s doubles event. This marks their first appearance together since the 2022 U.S. Open, where they faced off in their last match as a duo.
The announcement comes just two weeks before the tournament begins on June 29, 2026, and adds another chapter to the storied history of the Williams sisters, who collectively hold 21 titles at Wimbledon across singles and doubles events. Serena, 44, recently returned to competitive tennis after a nearly four-year hiatus, having last played at the U.S. Open in 2022. Venus, who turns 46 on June 17, has been competing sporadically but remains a formidable presence on the court.
Both sisters have an impressive track record at Wimbledon, having won a combined total of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, including six at Wimbledon. Their first triumph in doubles came in 2000, with their most recent victory occurring in 2016. Notably, their first two doubles titles at Wimbledon were achieved as wild cards, a fitting parallel to their current return.
Serena’s recent competitive return included a doubles match at Queen's Club in London, where she partnered with Victoria Mboko. The duo won their opening match, but Mboko was forced to withdraw from Wimbledon due to a knee injury. Serena is also scheduled to compete in doubles at the Berlin Open alongside Karolina Muchova prior to the Wimbledon tournament.
Meanwhile, Venus has faced challenges in her recent matches, losing all seven of her singles contests this season. Nevertheless, she found success in doubles, winning a match with Britain’s Katie Boulter at the Madrid Open in April. Venus made her comeback to the tour last July after a 16-month break and is currently ranked No. 119 in doubles.
The Williams sisters have long been a dominant force in tennis, with their powerful serves and athleticism reshaping the sport. Together, they have amassed a staggering 30 Grand Slam singles titles, including 12 Wimbledon singles titles. Their legacy is not just confined to their titles; they have become icons of the sport, inspiring countless athletes around the world.
Since their debut in the 1990s, the sisters have been trailblazers, breaking barriers and setting records. Their last doubles appearance at the U.S. Open in 2022 was particularly poignant, as it was widely perceived as a farewell performance for Serena, who had hinted at stepping away from professional tennis. As they prepare to return to the All England Club, fans and players alike are eager to see if they can recapture their former glory.
Wimbledon officials have allocated six remaining wild cards in the women’s doubles draw to all-British pairings, emphasizing the tournament's commitment to promoting local talent. Notably, Maja Chwalinska, a recent finalist at the French Open, has received a wild card for the women’s singles, highlighting the growing competition among players.
The upcoming Wimbledon Championships will be a test of the sisters' resilience and skill as they take to the court together once more. As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds around their performance and potential impact on the tournament. Serena’s recent matches indicate she is regaining her form, and her experience will be invaluable in doubles play.
For Venus, the Wimbledon stage offers a chance to showcase her enduring talent and competitive spirit. As the tournament nears, her performance will be closely watched, especially considering her struggles in singles this season. The sisters’ participation in doubles could also pave the way for a potential return to singles competition for Serena, as one of the eight wild card spots for women’s singles remains unfilled.
As the tournament date approaches, the excitement surrounding the Williams sisters’ return is undeniable. Fans will eagerly await to witness the duo's synergy on the court, which has historically led to remarkable achievements. The Wimbledon stage has always been a special place for the sisters, and their return is expected to draw considerable attention.
Wimbledon 2026 is set to begin on June 29, and the tennis world is abuzz with speculation about how the Williams sisters will perform. Their legacy, combined with their recent competitive experiences, suggests that they will be formidable opponents on the grass courts of the All England Club.