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Serena Williamsis returning to the courts!
The 23-time Grand Slam champion has not played competitively since hurting her right leg during a first-round match againstAliaksandra Sasnovichat Wimbledon last year. The injury caused Williams to withdraw from the tournament.
After a 12-month wait, the tennis star shared a cryptic message onInstagramon Tuesday that sparked speculation about an upcoming return.
“SW and SW19,” Williams said in the caption of a photograph of a pair of Nike sneakers and ankle wraps. “It’s a date. 2022 See you there.”
According to theAssociated Press, “SW19” is the postal code for the Wimbledon Championships, which will take place in England from June 27 to July 10.
Wimbledon confirmed the appearance on social media with a tweet that said the “stage awaits” Williams.
“Our 7-time champion@serenawilliamswill return to Wimbledon as a wild card this summer for her 21st appearance,” the tweet said.
Before Wimbledon, Williams will play doubles with tennis player Ons Jabeur at the Rothesay International Eastbourne Tennis Tournament next week, the AP reported.
“Eastbourne has a unique charm that you don’t see anywhere else on Tour and I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans again,” she continued.
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Williams firstteased an appearanceat Wimbledon in an April post to her Instagram Story featuring Green Bay Packers quarterbackAaron Rodgers.
“We’ve been talking about my comeback, and he’s been hyping me up and getting me ready for Wimbledon,” Williams told her followers of Rodgers. “Can’t wait!”
She clarified to Rodgers, 38, that “Wimbledon’s before the U.S. Open” when he asked why she wouldn’t be participating in this year’s event.
“I’ve got to play Wimbledon first,” Williams said.
source: people.com
