Seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams is set to make a highly anticipated return to the All England Club for the 2024 tournament. The 44-year-old tennis icon, a two-time mother, will compete for her eighth singles title while teaming up with her older sister Venus in the women’s doubles event.
Williams’ first singles match in nearly five years will take place on Centre Court on Tuesday, facing Australia’s Maya Joint. Her comeback follows a high-profile retirement in 2022 after amassing 23 Grand Slam titles—the second-most in history—behind only Margaret Court.
John McEnroe, a tennis legend with seven Grand Slam titles of his own, expressed surprise at Williams’ return but acknowledged her drive to “go deep” at Wimbledon. “She’s one of the greatest athletes, man or woman, ever,” he remarked. “The fact that she’s decided to come back after having children and not playing for four years is rather surprising.”
McEnroe emphasized that Williams’ return likely carries purpose beyond playing a few matches. “I don’t think she’s coming back just for fun. That doesn’t sound like Serena Williams. She wants to prove something,” he said. The former Wimbledon champion also speculated about her long-term goals. “Maybe she’s thinking about the Olympics in Los Angeles,” he added, though he admitted uncertainty about her future plans.
Williams’ participation has reignited global excitement for the tournament. McEnroe highlighted the unpredictability of her performance: “There’s a lot of anticipation about how she’ll fare. Obviously, matches and practice differ, so we’ll see what happens on Tuesday.”
Novak Djokovic, 39, praised Williams’ comeback as “inspirational and epic.” The Serbian tennis icon, who is vying for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title, acknowledged the significance of her return. “What she’s doing is remarkable,” he said. “To come back after years away, with two children, and give everything to return to the court is something truly special.”
Djokovic noted that Williams’ dedication to training and her legacy make her comeback a historic moment. “She deserves every applause she gets,” he said. “She created something legendary in her career.”
With the Williams sisters reuniting in doubles and Serena aiming to defy age and expectations, Wimbledon 2024 promises to be a landmark event for the sport and its fans worldwide.
