Serena Williams makes winning return to tennis with victory in Queen’s doubles

Four years after appearing to end her glittering career, Williams and Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko powered to a 7-6 , 6-2 win over third seeds Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the first round of the grass-court tournament.

The Ukrainian had been drawn against British wildcard Mika Stojsavljevic, but opted not to play after because of a right ankle injury, with lucky loser Donna Vekic replacing her.

Williams is one of tennis' all-time greats with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her credit.

Williams is a 23-time singles grand slam champion, the women’s open-era record holder, and a 16-time doubles grand slam champion.