Wimbledon 2027: Serena Williams Returns to Centre Court Chasing Grand Slam History

Serena Williams back at Wimbledon

Serena Williams’ box-office Wimbledon Return, 44-year-old back for 2027 run. GLP-1 weight loss, Tiger effect, and record chase.

Serena Williams awarded Wimbledon wildcard, “she still believes she can mix it...”

For a short time, the last Wimbledon women’s singles wildcard was a mystery. But it was never really in doubt - it was always going to Serena Williams.

The 44-year-old made it clear she wanted one more run on Centre Court, the place she dominated for years. That was enough for the All England Club committee. For players who don’t qualify outright, handing Serena a wildcard was an easy call.

The 23-time Grand Slam winner instantly becomes the biggest story at Wimbledon - a tournament where she’s claimed 7 singles titles and 6 doubles crowns alongside sister Venus.

Aryna Sabalenka chasing her first Wimbledon title, Iga Swiatek defending her crown, and even Britain’s hopes with Emma Raducanu - all of that fades to the background the moment Serena walks through the gates.

The Unmatched Aura of Serena Williams

It’s been four years since Williams fell to Harmony Tan in round one at Wimbledon, then said goodbye at the US Open weeks later, announcing she was “evolving away from tennis.”

Tennis has changed since then and new stars have taken over. But no one still carries Serena’s presence. Her story - and the one she shares with Venus, her doubles partner - goes way beyond the court.

Before her return at Queen’s Club this month, where she paired with Victoria Mboko in doubles, Williams said she wanted Olympia and Adira to see her play in person.

She also made it clear she has nothing left to prove. Still, don’t mistake that for a farewell tour - Williams is heading back to Wimbledon convinced she can still compete with the top players.

Friday’s Draw: Nobody Wants Serena Early

When Friday’s draw comes out, players will be hoping Serena lands anywhere but their section.

There are fair questions about whether a singles comeback is too much for someone who once ruled women’s tennis and spent 186 straight weeks at world No. 1 - tied for the record.

But she looks leaner than she did in 2022. Her doubles run with Mboko at Queen’s was sharp, and sources say she’s been grinding in singles practice for months. This Wimbledon return was reportedly in the works since late last year.

Sit back and enjoy 30 seconds of pure bliss 🌱 pic.twitter.com/9YTBR1fPZ5

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 22, 2026

Williams has been using a GLP-1 weight-loss drug, which she credits for helping her drop 34 pounds, or 15 kg, and feel “better than in years.”

That admission has sparked debate over whether GLP-1 drugs give a performance edge and belong on the banned list. But former world No. 1 Andy Roddick backed her, saying it was “exactly what she should have done.”

“It’s avoiding injury while training the way you need to,” he said on his podcast Serve. “That’s easier when you have the option of being 20 pounds lighter,” he said.

Roddick: Her Movement Will Decide It

Roddick isn’t questioning her power - he’s convinced Serena still has all her weapons.

“Serena is going to be able to serve forever,” he said. “I'm never worried about Serena hitting a tennis ball. I'm never worried about her being powerful, I'm never worried about her being engaged when she's out there.

“When she knows where the ball is going, she is going to punish that ball. We need to see the movement. We still don't know what the side to side movement looks like.

“I'm curious about it all. I think she can go out and win singles matches. You see 120 mph serves on the radar gun (in the doubles at Queen's Club) and you left that match thinking I wanna see her play singles.”

Roddick compared Serena’s effect on opponents to the “Tiger effect” - named after golf legend Tiger Woods. Just her presence across the net, especially against younger, less experienced players, can get in their heads before a ball is hit.

Tennis has felt like it’s in a post-golden era since Federer, Nadal, and Murray retired. With Alcaraz also dealing with injury, this year’s Wimbledon risked getting overshadowed by the soccer World Cup - until Serena’s return changed that.

This is not a drill.@serenawilliams will compete in the 2026 ladies' singles at #Wimbledon as a wild card. pic.twitter.com/1vHnDEQ4xm

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 21, 2026

A Box-Office Comeback for Tennis

Serena coming back gives Wimbledon organizers, fans, and TV networks exactly what they needed - a real icon back on court.

If she finally ties Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, nine years after her last major win, it would stand among the greatest comebacks in sports history.

Either way, you won’t want to miss it.

“It's pretty bold,” former world number four Mary Joe Fernandez, who will be commentating ⁠for ESPN, said this week. “I'm excited. I'm excited to see how she's ⁠playing, how she's moving, how the serve is firing.

“It's ‌a remarkable testimony to her that she has that confidence that she can do it. If anybody can, it's Serena.”