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Serena Williams joins Jordan, Phelps on list of at...

ESPN · Jun 1, 2026, 4:13 PM · Also reported by 3 other sources

Key takeaways

  • After nearly three years of not competing professionally, the tennis legend will make her return in the doubles event at the HSBC Championships at the Queen's Club in London.
  • While the 23-time major title winner is the most recent prominent name to return to their sport after a sizable break, she isn't the first.
  • Likely the most famous return to a sport of all time, the simple tagline for Jordan's 1995 comeback -- "I'm back" -- is still referenced today.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

After nearly three years of not competing professionally, the tennis legend will make her return in the doubles event at the HSBC Championships at the Queen's Club in London. Williams teased the news on X Monday morning, with Nike confirming her return soon after. The tournament runs from June 8 to June 14.

While the 23-time major title winner is the most recent prominent name to return to their sport after a sizable break, she isn't the first. Some legendary figures have made their own comebacks over the years, with some enjoying impressive career second winds as well. Here are some of the other notable names Williams is joining.

Likely the most famous return to a sport of all time, the simple tagline for Jordan's 1995 comeback -- "I'm back" -- is still referenced today. The Chicago Bulls superstar had been on a yearlong sojourn in baseball after having announced his retirement in October 1993, but he rejoined the Bulls in the second half of the 1994-95 season.

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