Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
The Serena Williams comeback is expected to include an appearance at the Berlin grass court event later this month, with DPA sources saying the 23-time Grand Slam champion is planning to play in Germany.
Bild also reported that Williams, 44, is set to compete at the June 15-21 tournament in Berlin, adding another stop to what could become one of the biggest tennis returns of 2026.
Her expected return follows another major French Open talking point, after Adolfo Daniel Vallejo fined heavily over French Open umpire remarks during a tense week at Roland Garros. Source used: provided article text.
Berlin could mark another step in Williams return
Williams has not confirmed her return publicly, but reports have linked her with next week’s Queen’s Club event in London.
She is believed to be preparing to play doubles there with Canadian youngster Victoria Mboko, though Mboko avoided confirming the speculation at the French Open.
Mboko said it was up to Williams to announce whether she would return.
The American last played in Berlin in 2008, when the tournament was still held on clay.
Grand Slam great eyes grass court schedule
Williams retired from tennis at the 2022 US Open after one of the most decorated careers in the sport.
Speculation over a comeback grew last year when she registered again for doping testing, a step required before a professional return.
The Queen’s Club tournament begins on June 8, while the Berlin event is scheduled for June 15-21, giving Williams a possible grass court route before Wimbledon. Reports in Germany have also linked her with Berlin as part of that preparation.
Fans can follow official tournament details through the Berlin Tennis Open website.
Williams said in January she was not sure yet about a comeback and would wait and see.
Her older sister, Venus Williams, still plays occasionally on the tour.