Novak Djokovic: ‘Everyone is looking forward’ to Serena Williams’ possible comeback
INDIAN WELLS, California — Even Novak Djokovic is unable to contain his enthusiasm regarding the much-discussed return of Serena Williams to tennis.
During a media session on Wednesday at the BNP Paribas Open, the 24-time major champion was inquired about Williams, the 23-time major champion, having passed doping protocols, thereby setting the stage for a possible comeback.
“I believe she’s coming back,” Djokovic stated. “I’m not certain. I haven’t had a conversation with her, but the general feeling seems to be that she’s returning. The specifics regarding whether it will be singles or doubles remain unclear, and if I were in her situation, I would keep it under wraps as well.
“Indeed, everyone is looking forward to it, and it’s certainly something that is highly anticipated. So, we shall see.”
When further questioned, Djokovic expressed that he thought Wimbledon — a tournament where both Williams and Djokovic have claimed victory seven times — would be an excellent venue for her official return. However, he noted that she “might perhaps participate in a doubles event or two with Venus” beforehand.
“That would be wonderful to witness, from my perspective and for tennis fans, without a doubt,” Djokovic, 38, remarked. “Yes, and [Serena is] truly one of the greatest athletes. It would be fantastic to have her back as well.”
Williams announced her retirement — or, as she described it, was “evolving away” — from tennis after the US Open in 2022 to focus on expanding her family. She welcomed her second child with husband Alexis Ohanian the following year.
In recent years, the 44-year-old has been spotted publicly supporting her older sister Venus, who continues to compete professionally. Venus has also expressed her hope for Serena — who wrote “P.S. I hope to be like you” in a tribute post to Venus following her first-round exit at the US Open in August — to return to the sport.
Williams re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s (ITIA) registered testing pool in the fall, with news of her re-entry emerging in early December. By doing so, she is required to provide her whereabouts daily and participate in random testing for six months before being officially reinstated.
<pAt that time, she refuted claims of a return — posting on X: "OMG yall I'm NOT coming back — but her responses to such inquiries have become more lenient recently. Earlier this week, current world No. 96 Alycia Parks shared a video of herself practicing with Williams, further igniting speculation.
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Williams was officially reinstated at the end of last month. She has not provided additional details regarding when or if she may compete again — but that will not deter tennis enthusiasts, including fellow legends like Djokovic, from expressing excitement about the potential.
Source: espn.com
