Tennis Icon Serena Williams (44) Finds Fantastic Partner for New Comeback: 'Feels Special'

The 44-year-old Williams immediately won her first match upon her return, partnering with Mboko in the doubles at the London grass-court tournament. Unfortunately, a second match would not materialize for her and her many fans. Mboko sustained an injury in the singles draw, forcing her to withdraw from the tournament. Williams had previously stated her hope to play in Berlin after London and confirmed her participation following the mandatory withdrawal in the English capital.

The organizers of the German grass-court tournament are making a big splash with Williams' arrival. According to the Los Angeles Times, she has found a new partner in Czech Karolina Muchova, who is willing to team up with her in Berlin. The 29-year-old Muchova, fifteen years Williams' junior, is currently ranked tenth in the world in singles. She rarely plays doubles in her career, with her last appearance being in January.

"Every tournament I add to my schedule now feels special," Williams stated on the WTA Berlin website. "This is no exception. I'm excited to play for the German fans and maintain this momentum in the grass-court season." The organizers are thrilled with the commitment from the American superstar, widely considered the greatest female tennis player of all time with 23 Grand Slam titles.

"It's a unique opportunity to see her in action here. We are incredibly excited. It doesn't get much better than this. I didn't expect our field of participants, with nine of the top ten players in the world, could get any better. But to welcome Serena is fantastic," various high-ranking officials said in a statement. In addition to Williams, Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Coco Gauff, among others, are also set to compete in Berlin.