local
Serena Williams gave herself a pep talk to play singles at Wimbledon at age 44
By Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 28, 2026
· 4 min read
Serena Williams had to talk herself into accepting Wimbledon's offer to play singles.The All England club was holding one last wild card entry and the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion — who had already announced she'd play doubles with her sister Venus — had a decision to make.“I thought I sho...
Key takeaway The All England club was holding one last wild card entry and the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion — who had already announced she'd play doubles with her sister Venus — had a decision to make.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
As Serena Williams prepares to take the court at Wimbledon, her decision to play singles at 44 years old resonates with local tennis enthusiasts in Magnolia . The community has a strong affinity for the sport, with numerous tennis courts and programs available for residents of all ages. Williams' determination to compete at the highest level, despite her initial hesitation, is likely to inspire local players and fans alike. Her presence at Wimbledon also underscores the global reach of tennis, which is reflected in the diverse tennis community in Montgomery County. As Williams faces off against 20-year-old Maya Joint, local tennis fans will be watching closely, eager to see how the veteran player will perform against a younger opponent. The match is a reminder that tennis is a sport that can be enjoyed and competed in at all ages, and Williams' participation is a testament to her enduring passion for the game.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 4 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Serena Williams had to talk herself into accepting Wimbledon's offer to play singles.The All England club was holding one last wild card entry and the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion — who had already announced she'd play doubles with her sister Venus — had a decision to make.“I thought I sho...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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