Djokovic Hails Serena Williams’ Wimbledon Comeback as Epic

Novak Djokovic lauded Serena Williams’ return to competition at Wimbledon as an extraordinary and motivating milestone, noting that the tennis community widely respects her resolve to compete at 44 years old while he simultaneously hunts for his own historic milestones at the All England Club.

Novak Djokovic characterized Serena Williams’ arrival back at Wimbledon as an inspiring and monumental achievement on Saturday, stating that the iconic American player’s comeback has commanded global respect across the sport as he prepares to pursue an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles crown.

Williams, 44, has emerged as the central narrative surrounding the championships this season after securing wild card entries for both the singles and doubles brackets. The winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles is scheduled to contest her initial singles match in nearly four years when she plays against Australian competitor Maya Joint in the opening round on Tuesday.

Djokovic, whose tournament begins with a match against China’s Wu Yibing, noted that Williams’ intense training regime had become highly visible during the pre-tournament preparations.

“I see her in the gym more than I have, I think, seen her when she was at her prime,” Djokovic disclosed during his press briefing.

“It tells me that she really wants this to work out the best way possible.”

The Serbian champion crossed paths with Williams earlier this week and expressed his immediate admiration for her decision to return to elite tennis.

“First and foremost, what she’s doing is inspirational and it’s epic. That’s what I told her,” Djokovic stated. “I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus’ as well.”

Williams had not participated in a professional singles fixture since stepping away from competitive tennis at the 2022 US Open. In the intervening years, she celebrated the birth of her second child before generating this unexpected return to the global tour.

Djokovic emphasized that the immense physical output Williams dedicated toward mounting this comeback earned widespread merit independent of her match results.

“It’s admirable, honestly, the effort she’s putting in. Of course, all eyes are on her, her comeback. I just hope she will enjoy because she really deserves it. She created something historical, legendary in her career.

“For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort, not just for her own satisfaction or coming back on the tour, but also to give all of us the pleasure of seeing her back on the court, in singles as well as doubles, is remarkable.

“I told her that whatever happens, what she’s doing is truly inspirational for me personally, and I’m sure for millions around the world.”

As Williams targets an eighth individual singles trophy on the London lawns, Djokovic remains locked on his own record aspirations. The 39-year-old athlete is attempting to secure an eighth Wimbledon title alongside his historic 25th major championship.

The decision by Williams to return has triggered widespread praise across the tournament locker rooms.

American player Ben Shelton termed the 44-year-old star’s comeback as deeply impressive, while current French Open titleholder Mirra Andreeva confessed relief at avoiding an early pairing against the former World No. 1.

“I would never think I would actually play the same tournament as her,” Andreeva remarked.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka likewise embraced the news, explaining that Williams’ presence generates substantial positive commercial and fan exposure for professional tennis.

“It’s amazing what she’s doing. 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,” Sabalenka commented.

Williams previously entered the grass-court major in 2022, sustaining an opening-round exit prior to walking away from the tour in New York later that summer. Looking at the draw, she remains on a path toward a potential third-round encounter against reigning champion Iga Swiatek.

Venus Williams relishes Wimbledon reunion with sister Serena

Venus Williams expressed deep appreciation for the exceptional chance to partner with her sibling Serena in the women’s doubles draw.

Exactly ten years following their last shared triumph in the London doubles event, the American icons are scheduled to return to action together next week.

Following a wild card validation prompted by Serena’s shocking return from retirement, the sisters are slated to play Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in opening-round action.

READ: Venus Williams calls Alex Eala her ‘best partner’ after team-up

“It’s very special indeed. We have had quite a history here and it’s nice to be back in 2026, so ready to go,” Venus told reporters on Saturday.

Venus, now 46, limits her competitive appearances on the WTA Tour, while Serena takes initial competitive steps following her lengthy retirement.

Their collective partnership seemed finished after the 2022 US Open, when Serena indicated she was altering her life path away from professional tennis.

However, driven by a goal to perform before her two daughters, Serena resumed training, recently testing her doubles form alongside Victoria Mboko and Karolina Muchova at Queen’s Club during the Berlin Open event.

She is simultaneously contesting the singles draw at the All England Club for the first time since her farewell match in New York.

“I’m excited we’re playing together and I can’t wait until we hit the courts,” Venus added.

“As soon as she wanted to play doubles and we were playing doubles, that’s how it works.”

Venus collected five singles titles in London between 2000 and 2008, while Serena secured seven individual titles at the venue.

Serena meets Australian World No. 53 Maya Joint first as she looks to target a 24th major singles crown, her first since the 2017 Australian Open.

Uncertainty persists regarding Serena’s overall match sharpness in individual play following her extended break from professional competition.

When questioned about her sister’s form, Venus responded: “Can you walk over to the courts and watch her play? That’s probably your best bet.

“There is no doubt that she has nothing to prove, at all.”

Keys wins a third Eastbourne title to arrive at Wimbledon in form

American second seed Madison Keys captured the Eastbourne international title for a third time, defeating Germany’s Tatjana Maria 7-5, 6-4 on Saturday afternoon.

Keys claimed a competitive opening set before asserting control in the second to finish the straight-sets victory, adding to her previous Eastbourne trophies won in 2014 and 2023.

“It’s amazing to be in the winner’s circle again, and I hope for many more,” Keys commented, noting humorously that the physical trophy felt notably heavy.

The win marked her initial title breakthrough since securing her maiden Grand Slam championship at the 2025 Australian Open, concluding a tournament drought that spanned 74 weeks and 23 events.

The 112th-ranked Maria represented the surprise performer of the week, pulling off multiple seeded upsets before the final. She defeated top seed Jasmine Paolini 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals, following earlier wins over Jelena Ostapenko via retirement, Tereza Valentova, and Anastasia Zakharova.

Keys displayed strong form all week, defeating Petra Marcinko, McCartney Kessler, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and Talia Gibson.

She enters the Wimbledon draw in excellent form, presenting a dangerous potential third-round matchup for prior finalist Amanda Anisimova.

Future Outlook

The 2026 Wimbledon Championships will serve as a critical junction for the legacies of its aging icons. Serena Williams’ performance will offer data on whether elite athletes can remain competitive at the Grand Slam level after multi-year absences and childbirth. Concurrently, Novak Djokovic’s pursuit of a 25th major title offers him an opportunity to break his tie with Margaret Court for the most singles majors in tennis history, altering the record books permanently.

FAQs

When is Serena Williams playing her first singles match at Wimbledon 2026?

Serena Williams will play her opening-round singles match against Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday of the first week of the tournament.

Whom are Venus and Serena Williams playing in the doubles first round?

The Williams sisters received a wild card entry and will face the doubles pairing of Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the opening round.

What historic record is Novak Djokovic chasing at Wimbledon 2026?

Novak Djokovic is attempting to win his eighth Wimbledon singles title and an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles championship to set the all-time tennis record.

Who won the 2026 warm-up tournament in Eastbourne?

American second seed Madison Keys won the Eastbourne title by defeating Germany’s Tatjana Maria, marking her first tournament victory since her 2025 Australian Open triumph.