HSBC Championships 2026: Serena Williams secures comeback victory with Victoria Mboko in women’s doubles

The American, Canadian pair came through 7-6(2), 6-2 against third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in an hour and a half on the Andy Murray Arena.

23-time Grand Slam champion and the former Canadian Open winner put in a clinical serving performance - racking up a 75% first serve rate across the match to secure their spot in the second round.

There, they’ll face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund after they edged doubles specialists Demi Schuurs and Alexandra Panova in three sets.

The former world No.1 looked to be thoroughly enjoying her return to the match court, and was all smiles as she praised her young partner after the match.

“It was so much fun,” Williams said. “I loved playing with Vicky (Mboko). She really held the team together and stepped up on the big points. I could always rely on her. Even though we’d never played together before, it felt so natural out there, which made it really enjoyable.”

Mboko, competing in just her sixth doubles event of the season, was equally complimentary of Williams after their first match together.

“I feel very honoured to play with you, Serena,” she said. “It’s such a privilege to be on court beside you. More than anything, I had so much fun - we really made it happen out there. I’m so happy to be playing alongside you, and we’re going for more.”

Williams, making her debut at The Queen’s Club, also spoke about what it meant to finally compete at the iconic venue.

“I never had the chance to play here before because it was only the men’s event,” she said. “It feels really special to be competing at such an iconic club. I’ve watched so many of my friends win here and seen so many incredible matches over the years, so to finally experience it myself is very cool.”