Djokovic: Serena Comeback Epic and Inspirational

Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, June 27, 2026
Photo credit: TPN/Getty

Earlier this year, Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic predicted Serena Williams would launch her comeback at Wimbledon.

 Meeting the media at Wimbledon today, Djokovic detailed one key reason why he sees the 23-time Grand Slam champion as fully committed to this comeback.

Fitness freak Djokovic said he’s seen Serena, who shed 35 pounds using the weight-loss drug Ro, in the gym more over the past week than he did during the peak of her powers.

Calling her return “inspirational and epic” Djokovic said he has spoken to Serena at SW19.

“Look, first and foremost, what she’s doing is inspirational and it’s epic. That’s what I told her,” Djokovic said. “I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus’, as well.

“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.

“I told her that whatever happens, what she’s doing is truly inspirational for me personally, I’m sure for millions around the world.”

The 44-year-old mother of two Serena will play her first Wimbledon singles match in four years when she takes on 20-year-old Maya Joint in her Wimbledon opener. Djokovic said he’s impressed by the four-time Olympic gold-medal champion’s commitment to the cause in this comeback.

“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 said. “It’s admirable, honestly, the effort she’s putting in. Of course, all eyes are on her, her comeback. I just hope that she will enjoy because she really deserves.

“She created something historical, legendary in her career. She deserves every applause she’s going to get.”

American Ben Shelton called Williams’ comeback “insanely impressive.”

“Obviously it’s really cool for me. I was kind of, like, coming out on tour when she was having her, I guess, last run in 2022,” Shelton said. “So seeing her out here, as focused as she is, really going for it at 44 years
old – she’s 44, right? – is insanely impressive, obviously one of the biggest icons in sports history, not just tennis.

“I think there’s a lot of buzz about it out here on the tour, as there should be. I think it’s huge for our game anytime Serena’s a part of it.”