Seven-time Wimbledon champion, Novak Djokovic, has described Serena Williams’ return to competitive tennis as “truly inspirational” as he prepares for another Wimbledon campaign in pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion, is set to make her first appearance at the All England Club in four years after receiving a wild card entry into the main draw.
The 44-year-old will also compete in the women’s doubles event alongside her sister Venus Williams, a five-time Wimbledon singles champion.
Speaking ahead of the tournament on Saturday, Djokovic praised Serena’s determination to return to the sport after an extended absence.
“First and foremost, what she’s doing is inspirational and it’s epic. That’s what I told her,” Djokovic, also a seven-time Wimbledon champion, said Saturday of Serena Williams. “I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus’ as well.
“For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort to, not just for her own satisfaction or coming back on the tour, but also to give all of us a pleasure of seeing her back on the court is remarkable.”
Djokovic revealed that he had spoken directly with Williams about her comeback and the impact it has had on players and fans alike.
“I told her that whatever happens, what she’s doing is truly inspirational for me personally — I’m sure for millions around the world.”
The American legend’s return has generated excitement across the tennis community, with several top players expressing admiration for her decision to compete again.
World No. 7 Coco Gauff credited Serena and Venus Williams for inspiring her journey in the sport.
“I played the sport because of them, believed that I could do things because of them. I look up to them a lot,” she said.
American star Ben Shelton also praised Williams’ dedication, while world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka welcomed the attention her comeback is bringing to tennis.
“Seeing her out here, as focused as she is, really going for it at 44 years old is insanely impressive, obviously one of the biggest icons in sports history, not just tennis,” Shelton said.
Said Sabalenka, “It’s amazing what she’s doing. Also it’s Serena Williams, everyone was talking about that. She’s bringing more eyes on tennis. It’s a good thing for tennis. I’m really excited to see her play.”
Williams, who holds the Open Era record of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, will begin her Wimbledon campaign against Australia’s Maya Joint, currently ranked No. 53 in the world.
In doubles, Serena and Venus have been drawn against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the opening round.
Djokovic has been particularly impressed by Williams’ commitment behind the scenes as she prepares for her return.
“I see her in the gym more than I have seen her when she was at her prime,” Djokovic said. “It tells me that she really wants this to work out the best way possible. It’s admirable, honestly, the effort she’s putting in. Of course, all eyes are on her, her comeback. I just hope that she will enjoy because she really deserves [to].”
French Open champion Mirra Andreeva admitted she would rather avoid facing Williams at Wimbledon, describing the prospect as intimidating.
“I was watching like this because I don’t think anyone in the draw would have wanted to play against Serena,” the smiling Russian teenager said Saturday. “I’m going to speak for myself. I wouldn’t want to play against Serena. I would be just very nervous.”
While much of the attention at Wimbledon has shifted toward younger stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic remains focused on adding to his legacy.
The 39-year-old last lifted the Wimbledon trophy four years ago and claimed his most recent Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open.
After suffering a third-round defeat to Joao Fonseca at last month’s French Open and dealing with a shoulder problem that has limited his schedule this season, Djokovic believes he arrives in London in stronger condition than he did in Paris.
“I think I’m better prepared here than I was for Roland Garros,” said Djokovic, who opens his campaign against China’s Wu Yibing. “… I always loved playing on grass. I have a very good history in Wimbledon. That gives me a higher dose of confidence coming into the tournament.
“Roland Garros was physically very draining, demanding. Three matches that I played, all of them went almost four hours. But I’m proud of the effort.”
A strong headline for this story could be: Djokovic Hails Serena’s Return Ahead of Wimbledon.
