Patrick Mouratoglou issues warning about Serena Williams ahead of her tennis comeback

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Serena Williams is making a dramatic return to tennis at the age of 44.

Williams is among the greatest players ever, with her 23 Grand Slam singles titles representing the most won by a women’s player in the Open Era.

The WTA legend will make her return at Queen’s later this month, where Williams has decided to enter the doubles event with young star Victoria Mboko.

Williams has raised eyebrows with her comeback, even from her former coach Patrick Mouratoglou, but he believes she knows exactly what she’s doing.

You can bring one tennis legend out of retirement. Who do you pick and why?

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Patrick Mouratoglou says Serena Williams isn’t returning ‘to be average’

Speaking on a video on his Instagram, Mouratoglou said of Williams: “If Serena decides to come back on court, she’s not coming back to be average. That’s not her.

“Well first of all, she starts with doubles. She didn’t say she would play singles. I feel that she wants to test herself. It’s a feeling that I have.

“I think she wants to know where she stands. I guess she needs to feel herself on the court to maybe take a decision to go further or not.

“Does it make sense at 44 to go back on tour after not competing for four or five years with two kids?

“No, it doesn’t make sense. But that’s Serena. Serena did things that were impossible because she thinks ‘I can do it’.

“I’m not saying she’s going to be number one in the world and win all the Grand Slams. I’m saying nothing is impossible for Serena.”

Along with her stunning singles success, the American boasts 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles.

Victoria Mboko is the perfect doubles partner for Serena Williams

Given that Williams has not played since 2022, and is now 44 years old, she will definitely benefit from having a strong playing partner.

And that is exactly what she has decided to do by picking Mboko, who is currently ninth in the WTA rankings and already boasts two career titles.

The Canadian star has already proven her ability to compete with the very best, while her age should also be a major advantage.

Despite being inexperienced, the 19-year-old should bring plenty of speed and energy to the pairing, allowing Williams to do what she does best.

And there is, of course, real incentive for Mboko, who will be desperate to play for as long as possible alongside a player she recently admitted she idolizes.