BERLIN/STARNBERG, June 5, 2026
Four years after stepping away from professional tennis, Serena Williams is set to make a remarkable return to the WTA Tour. The most successful women’s tennis player of the Open Era, measured by her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, has chosen the VANDA Pharmaceuticals Berlin Tennis Open (June 13–21, 2026) as one of the first stops of her comeback.
The US-American superstar will compete in the doubles draw at the prestigious grass-court event hosted by LTTC Rot-Weiß Berlin. Details regarding her doubles partner and the date of her first match will be announced at a later stage.
Williams’ participation further strengthens a world-class field that already includes nine of the current Top 10 players in the world. Among those expected to compete are World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, World No. 2 Elena Rybakina, and former US Open champion Coco Gauff, bringing Grand Slam atmosphere and Wimbledon-style excitement to Berlin.
Few careers in sports history can match Serena Williams’ achievements. The US-American captured 23 Grand Slam singles titles, including seven Wimbledon crowns, seven Australian Open titles, six US Open trophies, and three French Open championships. She also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Venus Williams and earned four Olympic gold medals—one in singles and three in doubles. Williams spent 319 weeks as World No. 1, including 186 consecutive weeks, and still holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles match victories in women’s tennis with 367.
Now, after retirement and a second maternity break, Williams is ready to compete once again on the WTA Tour. Her return also marks a comeback to Berlin, where she last played in 2008, reaching the quarterfinals before losing to Dinara Safina.
“Every tournament I add to my schedule at this stage of my career is special, and Berlin is no exception,” Williams said. “I’m excited to compete in front of the German fans and continue building momentum during the grass-court season.”
Tournament Director Markus Zoecke welcomed the announcement: “This may be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see Serena Williams on court in Berlin again. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome her and look forward to her matches.”
Andrea Petkovic, Director of Excitement for the Berlin Tennis Open, added: “As Director of Excitement, I didn’t think my excitement levels could get any higher, but the news that Serena has chosen Berlin as part of her comeback makes me incredibly happy. I can’t wait for the tournament to begin.”
Tickets for the VANDA Pharmaceuticals Berlin Tennis Open remain available, offering fans the chance to witness Serena Williams’ return alongside many of the world’s biggest stars on the road to Wimbledon.
