Two of the biggest tennis icons, Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams, have generated immense anticipation for their upcoming campaigns at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships. While Djokovic will be chasing his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title, Williams is set to make her comeback to singles for the first time since her initial retirement at the 2022 US Open.
How Novak Djokovic Correctly Predicted Serena Williams’ Comeback
Williams returned to professional tennis during the grass-court season, first competing in doubles at the Queen’s Club Championships alongside Victoria Mboko. The American then teamed up with Karolína Muchová at the Berlin Tennis Open, while it was announced that she and Venus Williams had accepted a doubles wildcard for Wimbledon.
Subsequently, the 23-time Grand Slam champion was awarded the final singles wildcard for the grass-court Major, igniting a frenzy across the tennis community. She has since been preparing for both events at Aorangi Park, where she crossed paths with Djokovic and the pair shared a warm reunion.
47 Grand Slam singles titles right here 👇@serenawilliams 🤝 @DjokerNole pic.twitter.com/kkiM5NdF5y
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 24, 2026
Interestingly, Djokovic had been convinced that Williams was plotting a comeback to the tour, even though she had dismissed all speculation about a return. Speaking to the press at the Indian Wells Masters earlier this season, the Serb asserted that he would also keep any such plans under wraps in her position.
“She’s coming back. Is she coming back? Is that a question? I think she’s coming back. I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she’s coming back. Where and how, singles, doubles, we don’t know, and if I’m in her position, I would hide it too. Yeah, everybody is excited, and it’s definitely something that’s very highly anticipated,” he said.
Djokovic’s prediction proved remarkably accurate. He not only suggested that Williams would target Wimbledon for her singles return but also foresaw the 44-year-old reviving her doubles partnership with Venus Williams.
“So, you know, let’s see. I pick that one [Wimbledon] as well as her comeback, but yeah, I don’t know. I think she might maybe play a doubles tournament or two with Venus [Williams],” he added. “That would be nice to see, just from my point of view and tennis fans, for sure. Yeah, and she’s one of the greatest athletes, really. It would be great to have her back, too.”
MORE: Serena Williams Captivates Ben Shelton at Wimbledon, Enjoys Reconnecting With Stan Wawrinka
In addition to Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams captured the attention of Ben Shelton and Stan Wawrinka while gearing up for Wimbledon. All eyes are also on the upcoming draw reveal on Friday, June 26, as fans are eager to discover who Williams will face in her first singles match back at the All England Club.
