LONDON — Novak Djokovic has offered a glowing endorsement of Serena Williams as the American tennis legend gears up for her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon, with the Serbian champion revealing she is working harder in the gym now than she ever did during her peak years.
Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Djokovic said, “I see her in the gym more than I have, I think, seen her when she was at her prime. It tells me that she really wants this to work out the best way possible.”
Djokovic, who enters the tournament as the seventh seed at age 39, is himself chasing history — a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam singles title and a potential eighth Wimbledon crown. Still, much of the spotlight has shifted to Williams, who has been away from competitive singles play for four years.
Should Williams claim an eighth Wimbledon singles title, many believe it would stand as the greatest sporting comeback ever witnessed.
When asked what he said after crossing paths with Williams at the All England Club this week, Djokovic did not hold back. “First and foremost, what she’s doing is inspirational and it’s epic. That’s what I told her. I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus’ as well,” said Djokovic, who opens his tournament against China’s Wu Yibing.
Djokovic continued: “It’s admirable, honestly, the effort she’s putting in. Of course, all eyes are on her, her comeback. I just hope she will enjoy because she really deserves. She created something historical, legendary in her career.”
He went on to highlight the extraordinary circumstances surrounding her return. “For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort to, not just for her own satisfaction or coming back on the tour, but also to give all of us a pleasure of seeing her back on the court — in singles as well as doubles — is remarkable.”
Djokovic closed his remarks by saying, “I told her that whatever happens, what she’s doing is truly inspirational for me personally, and I’m sure for millions around the world.”
American player Ben Shelton added his voice to the chorus of admiration. “Seeing her out here, as focused as she is, really going for it at 44 years old is insanely impressive, obviously one of the biggest icons in sports history, not just tennis,” Shelton said.
