Fans Are Losing It Over Venus Williams’ Latest Wimbledon Announcement

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• Tennis star Venus Williams officially announced her return to Wimbledon.

• She is set to compete in the mixed doubles alongside Jamie Murray.

• Fans are stoked by her return—an opportunity to add her first mixed doubles title to her record at the prestigious tournament.

After taking a brief tennis hiatus, Venus Williams shocked fans this week by revealing that she is, in fact, competing in the upcoming Wimbledon mixed doubles. The star initially shared on Instagram that she didn’t plan on playing the tournament at all, but when she made a surprise appearance on practice courts last week, fans could sense the imminent comeback.

According to The Guardian, Williams is set to play mixed doubles alongside Jamie Murray after their late wild card entry request was accepted. The 42-year-old also revealed the news on Instagram via her activewear brand Eleven by Venus.

“The queen is BACK. @venuswilliams is returning to the historic grass courts of @wimbledon where she holds 5 singles titles & 6 doubles titles,” a caption below her posing in an all-white set reads. “Let’s add a mixed doubles title to that list, shall we?!💪💪💪”

Williams last played the Chicago Women’s Open in 2021, and there’s speculation that her last-minute choice to join Wimbledon means she’s warming up for the U.S. Open in August. Murray has two Wimbledon mixed doubles victories under his belt—one with Jelena Jankovic in 2007 and Martina Hingis in 2017–and Williams reached the final in 2006 alongside Bob Bryan. Williams also played the mixed doubles last year with Australian player Nick Kyrgios, but withdrew from the second-round match after Kyrgios suffered an injury.

In an Instagram Stories Q&A, Williams previously assured fans she wouldn’t be competing at Wimbledon, adding that she would be in attendance to support her sister Serena Williams. But she clearly changed her mind.

On June 25, photos of Venus on the Wimbledon practice courts began to surface. Reporter Nick McCarvel tweeted his own observation, writing: “Venus Williams sighting at #Wimbledon. Possible we might see her on court? The mixed doubles draw has yet to be made. Certainly could be here in separate capacities, too…”

Needless to say, fans are stoked by the official announcement of her return. “Go Venus! 🔥 I will be staying up late to watch from Australia. Let’s get it! 👏🏽” one fan commented on Instagram. “This is the best news! Can’t wait to see you again!” another added. “Yes the only reason I will watch mixed doubles this year,” someone else wrote.

Serena exited the tournament on June 28 after losing her first singles match to Harmony Tan. She, herself, may be done competing, but now, it’s time to cheer on her big sis.

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