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Djokovic Hails Serena Williams' Epic Wimbledon Return

6/28/2026

Summary

Serena Returns

Novak Djokovic (tennis champion) called Serena Williams (American tennis legend) Wimbledon return inspirational and epic, noting she trains harder than in her prime.
Serena Williams (44) received a wild-card, will face Maya Joint (Australian world No. 53) in her first singles match on Tuesday, and will team with Venus Williams in doubles against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra.
Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka called the return impressive and good for tennis.

Summary

Serena – Mixed Results

Serena Williams and Victoria Mboko won doubles at the Queen’s Club before Mboko withdrew with an injury.
Serena Williams and Karolina Muchova lost in the opening round at the Berlin Open.
Mirra Andreeva said she would feel nervous facing Serena Williams in the draw.
Venus Williams offered Serena Williams quotes before her first match, noting that competing for her daughter, born in 2023, lets her children see her on court.

History

Historical Context

In September 2009 Kim Clijsters returned from retirement, entered the US Open unranked and became the first mother to win a Grand Slam singles title since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980. Her surprise victory revived interest in veteran comebacks, a pattern echoed by Serena Williams receiving a Wimbledon wild-card in 2024, underscoring how former champions can still draw viewership and sponsor support.

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Serena Returns

Novak Djokovic (tennis champion) called Serena Williams (American tennis legend) Wimbledon return inspirational and epic, noting she trains harder than in her prime.
Serena Williams (44) received a wild-card, will face Maya Joint (Australian world No. 53) in her first singles match on Tuesday, and will team with Venus Williams in doubles against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra.
Ben Shelton and Aryna Sabalenka called the return impressive and good for tennis.

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