World No. 4 Ons Jabeur said she was “over the moon” when Serena Williams offered her to play doubles together. On Tuesday, Williams announced she plans to make her long-awaited comeback to the Eastbourne grass courts next week.
Williams, who has not played since retiring from her Wimbledon first-round match 12 months ago, will join Jabeur at Eastbourne. “Pretty excited to play doubles with Serena.
I was over the moon when I received the news and it is such a privilege for me. Very happy she chose me. Hopefully we’ll have a great tournament and can’t wait to be at Eastbourne this year,” Jabeur said in a video.
The news is OUT 📰@serenawilliams x @Ons_Jabeur are ready to pair up in Eastbourne! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/7goekAfqFg — wta (@WTA) June 14, 2022
Williams and Jabeur will debut as a team in doubles
“I’m looking forward to returning to the Rothesay International tournament in England and getting back on the grass – a surface that has served me so well throughout my career.
Eastbourne has a unique charm not seen anywhere else on the tour and I look forward to playing in front of the fans again,” Williams said in a statement. Serena will make her third appearance at Eastbourne next week.
Williams made her debut at Eastbourne in 1998 before attending the event for a second time in 2011. “On behalf of everyone at LTA, we are delighted to welcome Serena back to Rothesay International and the fabulous setting of Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.
This year’s line-up is proving to be absolutely outstanding with Serena being here will be the icing on the cake and personally I’m sure I speak for many as we can’t wait to see her play again,” said the Tournament Director of Eastbourne, Gavin Fletcher.
Williams and Jabeur are sure to draw a lot of attention and their games will be packed to capacity. It remains to be seen how far Williams and Jabeur can go in their debut as a team.
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