ATP Tour

Djokovic praises Williams’ Wimbledon comeback as ‘inspirational and epic’

Will Novak Djokovic still be walking onto Centre Court at Wimbledon when he is 44 years old?

Perhaps not, but the 39-year-old Serbian can certainly draw inspiration from Serena Williams, who is making one of the most anticipated returns to the All England Club this week. Williams, the owner of a record 23 women's singles major titles in the Open Era, is set to return to singles action at Wimbledon for the first time since the 2022 US Open.

“What she's doing is inspirational and it's epic. That's what I told her,” Djokovic said in his pre-tournament press conference on Saturday, when asked about Serena’s return. “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 — in singles as well as doubles — is remarkable.”

Between them, Djokovic and Williams have collected 47 major singles titles and have redefined excellence across generations. Their journeys may be different, yet both have built careers defined by relentless pursuits of history. Pursuits that, remarkably, continue.

While Djokovic's own legacy is secure, the former No. 1 player in the PIF ATP Rankings has no trouble recognising greatness in others. Williams' latest chapter — returning to the Tour after a four-year absence having become a mother of two following the births of her daughters in 2017 and 2023 — is another example of the resilience that has defined her career.

“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,” Djokovic said. “I see her in the gym more than I did when she was in her prime. 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 it because she really deserves it. She created something historical, legendary in her career. She deserves every applause she's going to get.”

The rise of Serena and her sister Venus, owner of seven major titles, is among the sport's most remarkable stories. Raised in Compton, California, they were introduced to the game by their father, Richard Williams, who famously devised a plan for his daughters to become champions before they were born.

Training on public courts, the sisters overcame financial hardship, racial prejudice and widespread scepticism to become two of the greatest players in tennis history. Throughout their careers they remained fiercely supportive of one another, even while competing against each other on the biggest stages in the sport.

“It's truly inspiring, the way they were brought up, the way they grew up in a very challenging environment that was not necessarily very supportive of their tennis,” Djokovic said. “They've grown up to be very resilient people. The sisters stayed together, supported each other.

“I don't honestly know how they managed to play against each other in the finals of Grand Slams or any other tournament.”

Another player quick to welcome Williams' headline-making return was 41-year-old Stan Wawrinka, who is competing in the final season of his career. The pair have shared plenty of memorable moments over the years, including celebrating side by side after both lifted the Roland Garros singles trophies in 2015.

“I think it’s amazing. She’s been a close friend for many years,” Wawrinka told ATPTour.com. “It’s amazing to see her back with family. To have this challenge of coming back — I think it’s great for tennis and great for the fans. I’m going to be the first to watch her match.”

A seven-time Wimbledon champion, Williams begins her comeback on Tuesday against 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint. Djokovic and Wawrinka will be among the many players watching on, eager to witness the latest chapter in one of tennis' greatest careers, and perhaps take a little inspiration from it themselves.