The clay gives way to grass starting Monday. Three tournaments simultaneously launch Wimbledon preparations, with a storyline nobody expected: Serena Williams returns to competitive tennis.
In Stuttgart, the BOSS Open (ATP 250) features a strong field despite withdrawals from Alexander Zverev and Flavio Cobolli, still competing in the Paris final. Defending champion Taylor Fritz leads the draw alongside Ben Shelton, Alexander Bublik and Tommy Paul. Stuttgart's fast grass traditionally rewards big servers and attacking players.
On the WTA side, Queen's Club hosts a stacked WTA 500 draw. Jessica Pegula, Amanda Anisimova and Emma Raducanu headline an event continuing the reintroduction of women's tennis at this historic London venue.
But the biggest story of this grass-court opener is undoubtedly Serena Williams' return. At 44, the 23-time Grand Slam champion makes her comeback at Queen's Club, nearly four years after announcing her retirement at the 2022 US Open. Expectations are measured, but Williams' mere presence on court is enough to electrify the tour.
In 's-Hertogenbosch, the Libéma Open completes the schedule for this opening grass-court week. All three events will allow players to calibrate their games on the fastest surface before Wimbledon, which begins June 29.
This clay-to-grass transition also marks a psychological shift for many players. After the intensity of Roland-Garros, they must adapt within days to shorter rallies, low bounces, and a serve that once again becomes the primary weapon.
