The possibility had been the talk of tennis since Serena Williams announced nearly three weeks ago that she would return to professional competition after nearly four years away from the sport.
Even so, the official confirmation still came as a shock.
In a brief announcement Sunday, the All England Club revealed that the 23-time Grand Slam champion had been awarded the final women's singles wild card for Wimbledon, just eight days before the tournament begins.
“Serena Williams (USA) receives the final ladies’ singles wild card,” the statement read.
At 44, Williams is set to compete in both singles and doubles at Wimbledon. She had already accepted a wild card into the doubles draw, where she will partner with her older sister, Venus Williams.
