Serena Williams returns to Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic called Serena Williams’ return to tennis “inspiring” and “epic.”
“That’s what I told him,” Djokovic said Saturday at Wimbledon.
Williams, 44, is the center of attention on SW19. He is preparing for his first singles match at the tournament in four years. On Tuesday she will face Maya Joint, world number 53, in the first round.
The American had stepped away from the sport after her farewell at the 2022 US Open. She accepted an invitation to play women’s doubles with her sister Venus, 46. He then also accepted a wild card for singles.
Djokovic, champion of 24 Grand Slam titles, commented on Williams, winner of 23 majors in singles:
“I think I see her in the gym more than I saw her when she was in her prime. That tells me she really wants this to turn out in the best way possible.”
“I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, also that of Venus,” he added.
Williams’ last appearance at Wimbledon was in 2022, when she lost in the opening round to Harmony Tan, then ranked 115th. After losing in the third round at Flushing Meadows to Ajla Tomljanovic, the American described her exit as an “evolution.” Their second daughter was born in 2023.
Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, could face defending champion Iga Swiatek in the third round.
World number 1 Aryna Sabalenka is among those looking forward to next week:
“I heard she said she does it so her kids can watch her play. They’re really excited about it. It’s amazing what she’s doing. Plus, she’s Serena Williams; everyone was talking about it. She’s bringing more eyes to tennis. It’s a good thing for tennis. I really want to see her play.”
