Serena Williams Makes Emotional Return in Mixed Doubles at Queen’s Club, Hits 190 km/h Serve in Front of Capacity Crowd

Former world No. 1 tennis player Serena Williams made a triumphant return to competitive play at the Queen’s Club Championships, securing a mixed doubles title with partner Jonny Marray on June 25, 2023. The victory came amid a packed crowd at the west London venue, with Williams delivering a serve clocked at nearly 190 km/h during the final, according to tournament officials and match statistics.

Williams, 39, had not competed in a professional singles event since the 2022 US Open due to injury and personal commitments, but her participation in the mixed doubles at Queen’s marked a significant step in her comeback. The final against Jamie Murray and Bethanie Mattek-Sands drew a capacity crowd of 5,000, with fans chanting her name throughout the match, as reported by BBC Sport and The Guardian.

“It was incredible to be back on the court, especially in front of such a passionate crowd,” Williams said after the match, according to a statement from the All England Club. “This tournament has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m grateful to Jonny for being an amazing partner.”

What Happened in the Final?

The mixed doubles final saw Williams and Marray defeat the British-American duo of Murray and Mattek-Sands in three sets, 6-4, 3-6, 10-7. The match, played on Centre Court, featured high-stakes rallies and a standout serve from Williams, which was measured at 189 km/h by the tournament’s official radar gun. This marked one of the fastest serves of her career, surpassing her previous recorded speed of 188 km/h during the 2013 US Open.

Murray, a three-time Wimbledon champion, praised Williams’ performance, noting her ability to adapt to the fast-paced nature of mixed doubles. “Serena’s energy and precision on the court were unmatched,” Murray said in a post-match interview. “She’s a legend, and it was an honor to compete against her.”