The return of Serena Williams has generated widespread excitement among both fans and fellow players. Many younger athletes, who feared they had missed the opportunity to compete against the tennis legend, now have renewed anticipation ahead of Wimbledon.
Serena Williams is also emerging as a source of inspiration for veterans on tour, and Novak Djokovic is one of them.
Novak Djokovic Opens Up on His Conversation With Serena Williams at Wimbledon
After nearly four years away from tennis, Williams staged a comeback on grass, beginning with a doubles appearance at Queen’s Club. She then competed in Berlin before returning to the UK for her Wimbledon campaign. Days after accepting a doubles wildcard with her sister Venus Williams, the 23-time Grand Slam champion also received a singles wildcard.
Serena Williams has made it clear that she has nothing to prove to anyone. Her primary source of motivation, she says, is her two daughters, Olympia and Adira, who get to watch her compete. In recent days, the 44-year-old has intensified her preparations for the grass-court Grand Slam, training with top-ranked players to raise her level.
She has also spent time reconnecting with former colleagues, including fellow seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic. During a recent interview with ABC News, the Serb shared details of his interaction with Williams.
“I actually met her yesterday for the first time since she’s been back officially on the tour,” he said.
“And yeah, I just told her that everything she’s doing is epic. It’s something that is very admirable. I told her that whatever she does, I’m always her fan. She’s so inspiring to everyone,” the 39-year-old added.
Much like Williams, Djokovic remains deeply motivated to compete. While he has scaled back his appearances in recent months due to injuries, he continues to chase a 25th Grand Slam crown. At the Australian Open, he fell short of an 11th title after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the final. In Paris, he suffered a tight third-round defeat to João Fonseca. He arrives at Wimbledon as the seventh seed and opens his run against China’s Wu Yibing.
MORE: Serena Williams Captivates Ben Shelton at Wimbledon, Enjoys Reconnecting With Retiring Stan Wawrinka
Williams, meanwhile, has drawn 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint for what will be her first Wimbledon appearance in four years. In doubles, she and her sister Venus will launch their quest for a seventh title against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra.
