Djokovic Calls Williams' Wimbledon Return 'Truly
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- Novak Djokovic told Serena Williams personally that her comeback after years away and two children is "truly inspirational" and "epic," saying he hopes she enjoys the moment because "she really deserves" it
- Serena Williams received a wild card into Wimbledon's main draw — her first appearance at the All England Club in four years — and will open against Australian world No. 53 Maya Joint
- Serena and Venus Williams, ages 44 and 46, will pair in women's doubles and face Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round
- Djokovic noted he sees Williams "in the gym more than I have seen her when she was at her prime," reading it as proof "she really wants this to work out"
- Aryna Sabalenka (No. 1) said Williams is "bringing more eyes on tennis," and Ben Shelton called her return "insanely impressive" at 44
- Djokovic begins his own Wimbledon campaign against China's Wu Yibing and said he's "better prepared" than for the French Open, where he lost in the third round to Joao Fonseca after three matches that each neared four hours
Why it matters: The seven-time champion used his pre-Wimbledon platform to elevate Williams' wild-card return over his own pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam — a reminder that her commercial and cultural pull still defines the tournament. Djokovic's own shoulder issues and a draining Roland Garros exit frame his bid for an eighth Wimbledon title against the rise of Sinner and Alcaraz.
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