Serena Williams expands comeback with Berlin Open entry

Former world number one Serena Williams has expanded her comeback schedule, adding the Berlin Tennis Open alongside her return at Queen’s Club in London, where she will partner Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko in doubles.

It was announced that Williams will also play doubles at the Berlin Tennis Open beginning on June 15.

The 23-time Grand Slam champion expressed excitement about playing in Berlin, highlighting her enthusiasm for competing in front of German fans and building momentum on the grass-court season.

"Every tournament I add to my schedule right now feels special, and Berlin is no exception," the 23-time Grand Slam champion said.

"I'm excited to compete in front of the German fans and continue building momentum throughout the grass-court season."

Former world number one Lindsay Davenport said Williams' return was delayed by anti-doping rules.

"I'd heard last year at the US Open she wanted to play mixed [doubles]," Davenport said. "She wasn't able to because of the drug-testing protocol."

Williams appears to be targeting Wimbledon, with wild cards for singles and doubles expected to be confirmed during the Berlin event.

British players Katie Boulter, Fran Jones, Harriet Dart and Mika Stojsavljevic have also received Queen’s wild cards alongside Emma Raducanu.

She remains one Grand Slam singles title behind Margaret Court and has not won a major since 2017.

Her comeback has generated global interest ahead of the grass court season with fans eagerly awaiting her return and Wimbledon anticipation continues to build.