TENNIS: Serena still mulling Wimbledon return after comeback win

LONDON — Serena Williams said she has yet to decide whether she will compete at Wimbledon after making a winning return on Tuesday, nearly four years after her last competitive match.

The 44-year-old drew major attention at the Queen’s Club WTA event, where she returned to action alongside Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko. The pair defeated Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in front of a packed crowd.

Williams showed flashes of her trademark power, delivering strong serves and sharp winners in an encouraging performance as Wimbledon approaches — where she has previously won seven singles titles.

While she has not committed to a singles return, a possible appearance in doubles could significantly boost the tournament’s profile and television audience. She would also be a strong candidate for a wildcard entry if she chooses to play.

“Like I said the other day, it’s just a day at a time. I still have a little time to decide, and they have been great about giving me that space and time to decide,” Williams said.

She received a loud ovation as she stepped onto court and responded with several dominant points that reminded spectators of her former peak level.

Asked to rate her performance, Williams said: “My God. What do you think? A C-minus?

“I got nervous right before the match, like maybe 30 minutes before, and then I just let it go.

“With all the elements, considering coming back on grass is probably not the easiest surface. Overall, it was decent.”

Williams said playing in front of her daughters helped motivate her return. Her children, eight-year-old Olympia and two-year-old Adira, were present in London for the match.

When asked about their reaction, she said: “Adira wanted to go to the toy store, and Olympia wanted to know what was for dinner.”

Williams and Mboko are set to face Leylah Fernandez and Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

“It feels like it was far from our level a little bit, but I think it’s great knowing that you have so much room for improvement,” Mboko said. “Overall, I’d say it was pretty good.” -Reporting by Martyn Herman, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters