"I haven't been excited for tennis in months, the Queen is back!" - Tennis fans react to Serena Williams' return as she receives wildcard for Wimbledon

In a huge development just days before the start of Wimbledon, Serena Williams has announced her participation in this year's Championships. Posting an update on Instagram, the seven-time Wimbledon titlist announced the news of her comeback, attracting great buzz on social media.

Wimbledon tournament organizers confirmed soon after that Serena Williams has received a wildcard for the event.

The fans, naturally, couldn't contain their excitement on social media. Hundreds of them welcomed the news of Williams' comeback at Wimbledon, a year since she last played on the WTA tour at the same tournament.

"I haven’t been excited for tennis in MONTHS. The Queen is back," one fan wrote on Twitter.

Usually, most players would fancy their chances against someone coming back after a year-long absence, that too at the age of 40. However, journalist Jon Wertheim believes that Williams' past record at Wimbledon will cause players plenty of fear about being placed alongside her in the draw.

"Serena Williams is 40. Her last completed match was more than a year ago....and there will be 127 women hoping like hell they don't draw her in round one at Wimbledon," Wertheim wrote on Twitter.

Regardless of the level at which Serena Williams is eventually able to play, many fans are just excited to see the 23-time Major champion back on the court.

"Whether Serena comes back and plays singles, doubles or mixed. Wins no matches or 7 matches, I am so appreciative of just seeing her play again. Forever my Favourite," said one such fan.

Meanwhile, there are those who believe Williams can go all the way and clinch the title in London, despite the long lay-off.

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Shortly after Serena Williams' announcement, Venus Williams' coach Eric Hechtman hinted at working with the 23-time Grand Slam champion along with her older sister. Serena Williams recently ended her association with long-time coach Patrick Mouratoglou, and there is a good likelihood of Hechtman coaching both the sisters.

"LFG! So pumped for this trip with the (goat emoji)," Hechtman wrote on Instagram, resharing Williams' post.

Meanwhile, there are also hints that Williams' comeback might get underway a week before Wimbledon at the Eastbourne International - a WTA 500 event played on grass. The American tagged the event's Instagram handle in her post, indicating that she might play the warm-up tournament.

The American superstar has dropped outside the top 1000 in the WTA rankings due to her lengthy absence, and is currently ranked No. 1208. It is highly likely that Williams will face a top player in the first two rounds itself, as she bids for an eighth title at Wimbledon.