Serena Williams return to tennis: Ajla Tomljanovic reflects on beating Williams at 2022 US Open

Williams held serve in the first set before losing four straight games, and after taking a 4-0 lead in the second set, she survived a challenge from Tomljanovic to take the tiebreaker.

But Tomljanovic remained calm in a partisan atmosphere and took advantage of Williams’ weakening in the third set to quickly pull away.

Speaking after the match, Tomljanovic told the crowd: “I’m really sorry because I love Serena as much as you do.

“For me, what he’s done for tennis is incredible. He’s the greatest of all time.”

Asked later if he was considering a comeback, Williams said: “I don’t think so, but you never know.”

And he stayed true to his word. She will return to the West Kensington grass courts, playing doubles alongside 19-year-old Canadian star Victoria Mboko at Queen’s.

Williams’ older sister Venus still plays on the WTA Tour and, at age 45, reached the quarterfinals of the 2025 US Open women’s doubles.

“I don’t think Serena will be content to come back and spend the second week,” Tomljanovic said before the American’s return was confirmed. he said.

“Even the last US Open he thought he was going to win, so he must be feeling an extra boost of energy.

“Perhaps it was inspired by Venus.”