Tennis legend Serena Williams made a successful return to professional competition, securing her first victory in nearly four years in the doubles event at the Queen’s tournament.

The 44-year-old, playing her first match since the 2022 US Open, teamed up with Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to defeat the third-seeded pair of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe 7-6 (7-2), 6-2.

Williams received a standing ovation as she stepped onto the grass court at the Andy Murray Arena for her first-ever appearance at the Queen’s Club. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion delivered an impressive performance alongside her young partner.

The unseeded duo will next face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals after they defeated Alexandra Panova and Demi Schuurs 6-2, 2-6, 11-9.