Novak Djokovic tips Serena Williams to make competitive tennis return
Novak Djokovic believes Serena Williams will return to professional tennis and has tipped the 23-time Grand Slam champion to potentially feature at Wimbledon.
The Serbian world number one addressed mounting speculation regarding the American icon while speaking ahead of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.
Williams has recently been reinstated to the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) testing pool, a mandatory step for any retired player seeking a comeback.
“I think she’s coming back,” said Djokovic.
“I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she’s coming back.”
Wimbledon venue mooted for comeback
While admitting he was unsure if a return would involve singles or doubles, the 24-time major winner suggested the grass courts of SW19 as a logical destination.
Both legends have lifted the Wimbledon trophy on seven occasions during their illustrious careers.
“Where and how, singles, doubles, we don’t know, and if I’m in her position, I would hide it too,” Djokovic added.
“Yeah, everybody is excited, and it’s definitely something that’s very highly anticipated.”
Evolving away from the sport
Williams originally stepped away from the sport following the 2022 US Open, stating she was “evolving away” from tennis to focus on her family.
The 44-year-old gave birth to her second child the following year but has remained close to the tour, supporting her sister Venus.
To be eligible for competition, the former world number one had to provide daily whereabouts and undergo random testing for six months.
Her official reinstatement was confirmed late last month, though she initially denied plans to compete via social media in December.
Speculation mounts after practice footage
Despite those earlier denials, footage emerged this week of the younger Williams sister practising with current world number 96 Alycia Parks.
Djokovic theorised that a doubles partnership with Venus might offer a pathway back into competitive action before a potential singles campaign.
“It would be nice to see, just from my point of view and tennis fans, for sure,” he concluded.
“She is one of the greatest athletes, really. It would be great to have her back too.”
