Mirra Andreeva is among the players watching closely as Serena Williams prepares to step back on court in London.
Williams’ return at Queen’s Club has become one of the main stories of the grass-court swing, with the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion entered in doubles at the HSBC Championships.
For Andreeva, the interest is both professional and personal. The 19-year-old is preparing for the next stage of her own season, but she has also made clear how much Williams’ presence still means to players from a younger generation.
The Russian was asked about Williams’ comeback, the prospect of watching her in doubles, and the possibility, however uncertain, of one day facing her in singles.
Mirra Andreeva says Serena Williams singles match would be career highlight
Andreeva said she would be watching Williams’ return, with the American due to play doubles alongside Victoria Mboko.
“Of course, I will be watching,” Andreeva said. “I’m very, very curious to see Vicky very well. She’s one of my good friends on tour and I would be very, very excited to see how they would play together.
“And yes, I will be watching. I will be live streaming their match.”
Andreeva was then asked whether she had thought about the possibility of Williams returning to singles and whether she could one day face her.
Her answer was careful, but also revealing. Andreeva did not present it as anything more than a possibility, but she made clear how much the match would mean.
“I mean, that would be amazing, of course, to play against such a champion, such a legend,” Andreeva said.
“I mean, so many things that she’s done for this sport and so many tournaments that she’s won is unbelievable.
“And, you know, just thinking that if there is a small chance that she comes back to, you know, if she’s coming back to play singles and if there is like a small chance that I might be playing against her, I mean, that would be amazing.
“That would be also maybe one of the highlights of my career. But we will see if that happens, when it happens.
“And, you know, if I get a chance to play against her, I would be just very, very excited.”
The important part is the caution in the answer. Andreeva did not suggest that a singles match is planned. She did not push the idea further than the question allowed. She simply described what it would mean if the opportunity came.
That is why the comment stands out. It says plenty about Williams’ continued place in the sport, but it also reflects Andreeva’s own measured approach as she moves into another major grass-court period.
Serena Williams return comes as Andreeva prepares for Wimbledon
Williams is making her return in doubles at Queen’s Club alongside Mboko, with the pair receiving a wildcard for the WTA 500 event in London.
The pair have been drawn against Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe in the opening round.
There is no confirmed singles return at this stage, which is why Andreeva’s answer has to be treated as a response to a hypothetical question. Still, her reaction shows the scale of Williams’ reputation among current players.
Williams’ record explains that respect. Her career includes 23 Grand Slam singles titles, while her WTA profile lists 73 singles titles and 319 weeks as world No. 1.
Andreeva is not speaking as a distant observer. She is one of the leading names in the current women’s game, with the WTA listing her as 19 years old, ranked No. 6 and 36-9 for the 2026 season.
She is also trying to carry the same mindset into London that she had around the French Open.
Andreeva said her goal was to show a strong level of tennis in every match, fight, and play her best point by point. She also said she did not want to set expectations or put pressure on herself.
That gives her Williams comments extra context. Andreeva is excited by the idea of sharing a court with one of tennis’ defining champions, but she is not allowing the possibility to become a distraction.
For now, Williams’ return is in doubles and Andreeva’s focus is on her own grass-court campaign before Wimbledon runs from June 29 to July 12.
The singles question remains open. What is already clear is that Williams’ name still carries rare weight, even for a player from a generation that is now trying to shape the next era of the women’s game.
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