Serena Williams is set to make her long-awaited return to competitive tennis at the Queen’s Club Championships this week.
Serena, who last competed on the WTA Tour in 2022, will compete alongside Canadian star Victoria Mboko in the women’s doubles event.
The Canadian-American duo have received a tough draw: they will face third seeds Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in the first round
How excited are you to watch Serena Williams play on the WTA Tour once again? 🐐
Emma Raducanu, who is also competing in the doubles event alongside compatriot Katie Boulter, has offered her reaction to Serena’s return and expressed a desire to speak with the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion.
Emma Raducanu says she would love to speak with Serena Williams
Emma Raducanu and Serena Williams have played each other just once before on the WTA Tour.
The match occurred at the 2022 Cincinnati Open, shortly after Serena’s announcement of her impending retirement from her playing career.
Raducanu emerged victorious from their round of 64 contest, winning 6-4, 6-0 in the American city.
The British star has reflected on that match four years later, admitting that she was ‘super nervous’ heading into the contest.
“I remember that match [Cincinnati 2022]. It was when she was retiring at the end of the US swing,” Raducanu said during her pre-tournament press conference in London.
“I was super nervous before playing her because it was just announced that she was stopping.
“It’s really great to see her back,” the Briton continued. “I think it’s an amazing inspiration, and I think to all of us to see her around is a really cool thing.
“I mean, she’s the greatest tennis player, female tennis player of all time and yeah, it’s just amazing to have her around and part of the Tour again.”
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When asked if she had spoken to Serena ahead of the American’s return, Raducanu stated that she had not.
“No, I haven’t spoken to her,” she said. “But I would obviously love to.
“She has so many experiences, so many lessons. It would be a really cool thing to do, so hopefully I’ll ask [inaudible] later.”
How did Emma Raducanu react after beating Serena Williams in 2022?
It was certainly a magnificent victory for Raducanu, who was competing against the American superstar almost a year on from winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2021 US Open.
“I’m so grateful for the experience to have been able to play Serena and for our careers to have crossed over,” said Raducanu after the match, as reported by TNT Sports.
“Everything she has achieved has been so inspirational and it was a true honour to share the court with her.
“I was nervous from the first point to the last, Serena is dangerous and can come back from any situation. I had to stay focused. I’m so pleased I managed to keep my composure.
“Each of those wins kind of builds confidence regardless of the level you’re playing, every single win counts. But of course this one more so, because you’re playing like the greatest.
“But I’m not trying to get too high or too low right now.”
Raducanu went on to reach the round of 16 in Cincinnati, before losing to Jessica Pegula in straight sets.
