Wimbledon announce Serena Williams wild card as her comeback to tennis is confirmed

Wimbledon have confirmed that Serena Williams will make her comeback this summer after they granted her a wild card.

Earlier in the day Serena cryptically hinted that she was intending to return to tennis after a year's absence in England this summer.

That has now been confirmed by both Wimbledon and the LTA, who have announced she will play doubles in Eastbourne next week.

"The LTA is pleased to announce that tennis superstar Serena Williams is set to make her first tournament appearance in almost a year, when she will pair up with Tunisia's world number four Ons Jabeur for the doubles event of the LTA's Rothesay International at Eastbourne next week having received a wildcard," the Lawn Tennis Association said in a statement.

"I am excited to return to the Rothesay International tournament in England and to be back on the grass - a surface that has been so good to me throughout my career," Serena Williams said.

"Eastbourne has a unique charm that you don't see anywhere else on Tour and I'm looking forward to playing in front of the fans again."

Tournament Director Gavin Fletcher added: "On behalf of everyone at the LTA we are delighted to warmly welcome Serena back to the Rothesay International and the fabulous setting of Devonshire Park, Eastbourne.

"This year's line-up is proving absolutely stellar, where having Serena here will be the icing on the cake and personally, I'm sure I speak for many in that we can't wait to see her play again."

Eastbourne, though, appears to be just a gentle warm-up for Wimbledon, which Serena has won seven times.

Wimbledon was also the scene of her last match, which ended in heartbreak as she withdrew injured midway through her first round match last year.