Serena Williams returns to tennis after four years, wins doubles opener in London

Serena Williams returned to professional tennis on Wednesday, competing in doubles for the first time since the 2022 US Open. The 44-year-old American partnered with Canada's Victoria Mboko at a Women's Tennis Association event in London, defeating Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the United States and Erin Routliffe of New Zealand 7-6, 6-2 in the first round. The match marked Williams' first official appearance on tour after a four-year absence from competitive tennis. Williams, who retired following the 2022 US Open, has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most in the modern era, and four Olympic gold medals, three of them in doubles. The tournament, organized by the Women's Tennis Association, is part of the women's professional circuit. Further details on Williams' schedule, including any planned singles matches, were not immediately available.