Djokovic Cites Serena Williams' Wimbledon Return as Motivation

Novak Djokovic, 39, said Serena Williams’ Wimbledon return gives him an extra boost as he prepares for the 2026 Championships. He called her comeback “inspirational and epic,” noting that her effort reinforces his belief he can secure a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

France 24

Williams, 44, will play her first singles match in four years against Maya Joint in the first round, motivated by a desire to play before her daughters. Djokovic entered the grass-court season after a shoulder injury kept him out of the clay season, limiting his 2026 schedule to three events and seven matches. He lost the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz in January, becoming the Open Era’s oldest men’s Grand Slam finalist, and was eliminated in the French Open third round by João Fonseca. Defending champion Jannik Sinner leads the seedings; Roger Federer holds eight Wimbledon crowns.

France 24

Djokovic holds 24 Grand Slam singles titles and seven Wimbledon crowns; Williams has 23 Grand Slam singles titles. In 2026 Djokovic has played three events and seven matches, and he targets a 25th Grand Slam, which would match Roger Federer’s eight Wimbledon victories.

France 24The Guardian

Djokovic told reporters that Williams’ return “is inspirational and it’s epic,” and that seeing her “in the gym … tells me she really wants this to work out.” He added that grass courts “require less physical effort than clay, so that’s better for me,” and that he feels “better prepared here than I was for Roland Garros.” He said he planned to “peak at Wimbledon after the shoulder injury that kept me away from the tour for several months.”

France 24

The sources do not disclose Williams’ result against Maya Joint or detail Djokovic’s exact practice routine at the All England Club. No dissenting viewpoints on Djokovic’s preparation appear in the material provided.

France 24

• “Look, first and foremost, what she's doing is inspirational and it's epic.” — Novak Djokovic, Serbian tennis player

France 24

• “I’m better prepared here than I was for Roland Garros,” — Novak Djokovic

The Guardian

• “Obviously playing on grass, comparing to clay, you don’t need to exert as much physical effort. So that’s better for me. I always loved playing on grass. I have a very good history in Wimbledon. That gives me, of course, a higher dose of confidence coming into the tournament.” — Novak Djokovic

The Guardian

• “I was planning to peak at Wimbledon after the injury of the shoulder that kind of kept me away from the tour for several months.” — Novak Djokovic

France 24

Williams will open her singles campaign against Maya Joint, while Djokovic aims to translate his renewed confidence into a deep run, potentially tying Roger Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles. Their performances will shape the narrative of veteran resilience at the 2026 Championships.

France 24