I was in the room for Serena Williams’ comeback – 3 things struck me | Tennis | Sport

There are days in journalism that blur into one another.

Then there are days like Sunday at Queen’s.

I had applied to attend the Wimbledon warm-up event long before Serena Williams announced her return to professional tennis would take place here. In fact, everyone in the room had. Accreditation closed before the 23-time Grand Slam champion revealed that this leafy corner of west London would provide the backdrop to one of the most remarkable comebacks the sport has seen.

By the time I arrived at Queen’s, there was only one topic of conversation.

You could hear it in the conversations taking place around the grounds. Williams’ name drifted through the corridors and media rooms with remarkable frequency. Even with qualifying matches taking place, there was only one story anyone really wanted to talk about.

It was clear immediately.

The fascination with Serena Williams has not diminished one bit.

Hours before she was due to speak, I joined dozens of others making their way towards the practice courts. She was warming up with doubles partner Victoria Mboko in front of one of the largest crowds on site.

Every winner was greeted with applause. Every rally drew phones from pockets. Every movement attracted attention.

For someone who has not played a professional match in nearly four years, it was a reminder of the extraordinary place Williams occupies in sport. Retirement may have taken her away from tennis, but it has done little to lessen her pull.

Back in the media centre, the anticipation only intensified.

As the scheduled start time approached, journalists packed into the press conference room while camera operators hurriedly searched for the best angles. We had been told Williams might arrive early, so nobody wanted to risk missing her entrance.

Anticipation can quickly turn into anxiety.

Only moments earlier, the room had been alive with conversation. Then came an almost uncomfortable silence.

‘Serena Williams Press Conference has been delayed till this afternoon, time TBC.’

The collective groan that followed said everything.

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Speculation inevitably began to creep in. Tennis has endured a brutal run of injuries this season, and soon whispers began circulating around the room. Had something happened in practice? Had she picked up a problem after leaving the court?

There was no evidence to suggest that was the case. She had looked perfectly comfortable during training.

Yet such is the fragility of modern tennis that concern quickly replaced excitement.

So many curveballs have been thrown this season but I was shocked at how scarred those who follow the sport so closely have been by recent injuries.

Fortunately, the rumours proved unfounded.

Serena had arrived. And it was clear. Few athletes still possess an aura quite like hers.

When Williams eventually returned to the venue and entered the room, the atmosphere changed instantly.

She arrived with little fuss and only a small entourage. Yet all eyes followed her.

Some sporting greats are defined by their records. Others by their personalities. Williams has both, but what stood out most was her presence. The room seemed to sharpen the moment she sat down.

She spoke thoughtfully about her decision to return, about the possibility of playing singles again – at Wimbledon – and about what the future might hold. As expected, there were few definitive answers. The mystery remains part of the story.

For those fortunate enough to be there, the occasion was about more than headlines or soundbites. It was about witnessing one of the most influential athletes of the modern era step back into a world she helped define.

Over the course of a few hours at Queen’s, the mood shifted from excitement to fear and finally to wonder.

And watching the reaction she inspired everywhere she went, it remained clear why Serena Williams continues to captivate audiences after all these years.

Some athletes leave a sport behind when they retire.

Serena Williams never really left tennis at all.