For several days, the identity of the final Wimbledon women’s singles wildcard remained a mystery, but the answer always seemed destined to be Serena Williams.

After the 44-year-old revealed her desire to return to the Centre Court — the stage where she created so many unforgettable moments — the All England Club committee had little hesitation in awarding her the special invitation.

In an instant, the 23-time Grand Slam champion became the biggest attraction at a tournament where she has enjoyed incredible success, winning seven singles titles and six doubles trophies alongside her sister Venus.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka’s pursuit of her first Wimbledon title, Iga Swiatek’s attempt to defend her crown, and even the continued attention surrounding British star Emma Raducanu are all expected to take a secondary role once Serena Williams steps back onto the famous grounds.

The aura of an icon

It has been four years since Williams suffered a first-round Wimbledon defeat to Harmony Tan, followed weeks later by her emotional farewell at the US Open, where she suggested she was moving on from tennis.

The sport has changed significantly since then, with new stars emerging and a new generation taking centre stage. However, few players have ever carried the same presence and influence as the American legend, whose journey — along with that of her sister Venus, her doubles partner at Wimbledon — has gone far beyond tennis.

Before reappearing at Queen’s Club this month, in ‌the doubles alongside Victoria Mboko, Williams cited a desire to have her young ⁠daughters, Olympia and Adira, watch her play.

She also rightly said she had ‌nothing to prove. But no one should be in any doubt that Williams will return to Wimbledon believing she can still mix it with ​the best.

Wimbledon draw on Friday

When the draw is made on Friday, no one will want to see Williams in their vicinity.

Legitimate questions will be asked about whether a singles return is a step too far for a player who ​ruled the women’s game with an iron grip and who spent a joint-record 186 consecutive weeks as world number one.

Looking leaner than in 2022, however, she impressed alongside Mboko at Queen’s, and insiders say she has been practising hard on the singles court for ⁠a Wimbledon return that was being planned as ​far back as the end of last year.

Williams has revealed that she used a GLP-1 weight-loss medication, which she says helped her lose 34 pounds (15kg) and made her feel “better than in years.”

The use of such drugs has sparked discussion over whether they could provide a performance advantage and whether they should be included on banned lists. However, former world number one Andy Roddick believes Williams made the right decision.

“It’s about avoiding injury while training the way you need to,” Roddick said on his podcast Serve. “That becomes easier when you have the option of being 20 pounds lighter.”

Roddick believes movement will be the key

Roddick remains confident that Williams still possesses her greatest strengths.

“Serena is going to be able to serve forever,” he said. “I’m never worried about Serena hitting a tennis ball. I’m never worried about her power, and I’m never worried about her focus when she’s out there.”

However, he believes her movement will determine how far she can go.

“When she knows where the ball is going, she is going to punish it. We need to see the movement. We still don’t know what her side-to-side movement looks like.”

Roddick added that he is intrigued by her return and believes she can still win singles matches, especially after seeing her impressive 120 mph serves during doubles action at Queen’s Club.

“You watched that match and thought, I want to see her play singles,” he said.

Roddick compared the psychological impact Williams can have on her opponents — particularly younger and less experienced players — simply by standing across the net from them to the “Tiger effect,” a reference to the influence of golf legend Tiger Woods.

Tennis has entered a period of transition following the retirements of icons such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray. With Carlos Alcaraz sidelined by injury, there were concerns that this year’s Wimbledon could become overshadowed by the football World Cup.

A blockbuster return for tennis

The comeback of a true tennis superstar is therefore a major boost for tournament organisers, fans, and broadcasters.

If Williams manages to match Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles — nine years after her last major triumph — it would rank among the greatest comebacks in sports history.

Regardless of the outcome, her return promises to be one of the biggest stories of the tournament.

“It’s pretty bold,” former world number four Mary Joe Fernandez, who will commentate for ESPN, said. “I’m excited to see how she’s playing, how she’s moving, and how the serve is performing.”

Fernandez added that Williams’ belief in her ability to compete again is remarkable.

“If anyone can do it, it’s Serena,” she said.