Victoria Mboko and Serena Williams are teaming up at Queen’s, with the pair having entered the doubles draw.
Mboko is currently ninth in the WTA rankings at the age of just 19, with the Canadian also playing singles at the event.
But legendary figure Williams is focusing solely on doubles at Queen’s, for which she has received a wildcard at the age of 44.
Williams has a tough return to tennis against third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez, but her partner Mboko is expecting a high level from the veteran.
Realistically, how far do you expect Serena Williams to go at Wimbledon if she plays?
Victoria Mboko reveals story behind Serena Williams doubles pairing
Ahead of their opening match at the WTA 500 tournament, Mboko has shared how their doubles partnership came about.
“Serena, she messaged me,” said the Canadian, as per Stan Sport.
“I was in a Starbucks when she texted me, and I kind of just looked at my phone for a little longer.
“Yeah, she just messaged me if I had a partner for Queen’s, and I was like, ‘No, hi, I don’t have anyone’.
“And she asked me if I wanted to play.
“It was a pretty hard offer to not accept.
“She’s been an idol of mine since I started tennis.
“Practising with her so far has been great.
“She’s such a clean ball striker, and I think she can do really well, and I’m excited to see what she can do in the upcoming tournaments.
“So yeah, it’s been great.
“I think she’s a really funny person and she’s just really cool to be around.”
Victoria Mboko and Serena Williams can thrive under Queen’s pressure
As Mboko mentioned, she simply could not have said no to her idol, even with the increased scrutiny that the pairing will inevitably bring.
The two WTA icons are certain to attract major attention at Queen’s, which could prove to be a burden or indeed a blessing.
And it may just be the latter given that both players have proven that they can deal with performing on the big stage.
Williams is a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and 14-time doubles champion, and has reached heights that not many others in sport have.
And teenage sensation Mboko is already a top 10 player and two-time WTA winner, with one of her titles having arrived at 1000 level in Montreal.
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