The news of Serena Williams’ return to tennis at this weekend’s Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi has sent social media into frenzy.
Williams has not competed since winning a record-breaking 23rd Grand Slam at the Australian Open last January.
She delivered her first child, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr. in September and while she had expressed her intention to defend her Melbourne crown next month, the 36-year-old is yet to confirm whether she will be ready for the opening Slam of the season.
Williams’ first appearance in Abu Dhabi comes as an encouraging sign that she might indeed be ready to compete on tour in January.
Here’s how Twitter reacted to news of her MWTC participation…
wta was too easy for her anyway https://t.co/uR1iT7Sbrq
— Shivank (@Shivank17) December 24, 2017
I was like women usually don’t play that tournament…Queen!!! https://t.co/8jnLuIpkVh
— Off Brand Mr. Clean (@SUN_Of_Uhhh) December 24, 2017
YALL THE QUEEN IS COMING. BRACE YOURSELVES. https://t.co/pKNGlYuP9c
— Bence (@hBencee) December 24, 2017
This is the best Christmas gift! https://t.co/IEFycCgQFJ
— SAMANTHA サマンサ (@sbjayne) December 24, 2017
Oh yes!!!! Serena Williams is coming back 💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽 https://t.co/1zTvfqBpC1
— R. Angel (@wild__hart) December 24, 2017
Omg 👀👀👀👀👀 https://t.co/r2Ueeql44P
— 62-20 (@Joracle_) December 24, 2017
We get to see her play before the end of 2017?!?!????? https://t.co/oboNKuLgjM
— King Quenchi (@MrQuenchiAdams) December 24, 2017
best christmas gift ever ever https://t.co/FVJIC80Vtv
— kenken (@larssonpie) December 24, 2017
The Queen returns! 😍 https://t.co/katCDptvzS
— katischakalaka (@ktschk) December 24, 2017
Omg no why am I leaving the 28th 😢😢😢😢 https://t.co/rUU3jKqDUA
— Dutch tennis (@tennisdutchies) December 24, 2017
Wake up America….Early Christmas present 😄 https://t.co/pLNnBvI3Bq
— TsuofDB (@BDFoust) December 24, 2017
Wow. Would be curious to know the number on the paycheck. After losing Rafa, I guess emergency action was needed. https://t.co/v98vzbhSeU
— Carole Bouchard (@carole_bouchard) December 24, 2017
Let’s go Serena. It’s about time for a legend to rise again https://t.co/qNB348iHuj
— Andi 🐻 (@GOATrena) December 24, 2017
Wait WHAT!!!!! SHOOKETH https://t.co/9AjcHK5viH
— Pearl (@pearlescent48) December 24, 2017
I AM NOT READY!!! 😭👑❤ https://t.co/8v3K9uv0aB
— Sara (@SaraelisGarvey) December 24, 2017
@ReemAbulleil hitting send on this news to the US serena fans at 5am local time 😂 pic.twitter.com/YbAyozXrSx
— Tony (@tjc05) December 24, 2017
Can’t wait to see Serena back in action. The tour is not the same without her. Not even close. Welcome back Queen. @serenawilliams ☺
— WTAAddict (@WTAAddict) December 24, 2017