Serena Williams return to tennis nearly stopped by 'gruelling' anti-doping programme

Serena Williams has expressed her discontent with the anti-doping programme ahead of her match at Wimbledon next week. The return of the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion has been highly anticipated after her last competitive singles appearance in almost four years.Williams has been on the practise courts at the All England Club for the last 10 days, getting ready to go back to singles matches. The 44-year-old described the anti-doping programme as gruelling, which even put her off returning to the sport. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say She said: That was a big reason why I didn't want to come back, because it's just so hard. I mean, my life is busy, I run a company, I travel the world. I have children. It's like I could be in so many different cities, so many different times.Obviously, I don't mind because I love, and I always have been very clear about what I do. Just getting in that routine of learning the new rules, then just getting back and reporting every day.Williams' return was cut short at Queen's after her doubles partner, Victoria Mboko, pulled out injured.I can't say I had a lot of emotions, only because I think I was in Queens earlier, and I was in London, and I was on the grass, Williams explained.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWorld Cup day 18: Reaction after England beat Panama and Ronaldo left frustratedEngland handed huge Reece James injury boost after defender missed Panama victoryRory McIlroy set to avoid punishment despite breaking strict PGA Tour ruleSo for here, it was more like, okay, I've been doing this for a couple of weeks. It was kind of like riding a bike.I didn't feel a ton of stuff yet. Obviously, when I play, I might have a lot of things come up.The 44-year-old shared her excitement on returning to the All England Club, saying: I feel like I'm really going to enjoy being out there.Her last singles match was a third-round loss to Ajla Tomljanovic at the US Open in 2022, and this comeback has changed her outlook on the game.Williams continued: I think in general my expectations are definitely different for the first time in my career.I feel like my feelings are just - not that I never enjoyed it before, or else I wouldn't be here today - but I feel like I'm really going to enjoy being out there.The seven-time champion will play Australia's Maya Joint on Tuesday on Centre Court.Wimbledon gets underway tomorrow, with Emma Raducanu in action on the opening day.The 23-year-old has made clear her plans [are] to play despite ongoing issues with injury.The British No1 cut her practice session short at the All England Club on Sunday due to concerns with a leg injury.Raducanu starts her campaign at Wimbledon tomorrow at 1pm against Croatia's Antonia Ruzic.The 23-year-old said: I'm going to do everything with my team in terms of treatment. The plan right now is to play.Win two tickets to a FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final. ExpressVPN are giving one lucky Friend or Member the chance to experience football's biggest tournament live, with flights and accommodation covered by GB News. Entries close 30 June. ENTER HERE. Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter