Svitolina: Serena Comeback Reminiscent of Roger Federer
By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Photo credit: TPN/Getty
Serena Williams will launch her comeback on the historic Queen’s Club grass next week.
Elina Svitolina says the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s return could play out like former world No. 1 Roger Federer’s late-career return.
Svitolina, who beat Williams once in six career clashes, said all-time iconic champions like Federer and Serena Williams have a natural gift for the game to come back even after lengthy layoffs.
“Serena, it’s a very unique situation. You know, she is like Roger,” Svitolina said after suffering her sixth Roland Garros quarterfinal loss to Marta Kostyuk today. “Maybe not play for a year or something and then just go and, yeah, play unbelievable.
“I think it’s just a different, different level of GOAT.”
Speaking to TNT’s commentary panel, Venus Williams said while she doesn’t believe her younger sister has been practicing frequently, she’s “not worried” because Serena is “a bit of a natural” who never loses her swing.
.@Venuseswilliams on @serenawilliams's return to tennis: "The quality of her stroke is obviously there; she's, I think, a little bit of a natural… she's very tenacious. So, I'm not worried about how she's going to play." ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/BIuiZp2DBj
— TNT Sports U.S. PR (@TNTSportsPR) June 2, 2026
The three-time Rome champion Svitolina said mother of two Serena continues to inspire all working moms.
“So I’m really excited, actually, for her to come back,” Svitolina said. “I think it’s a great story and very inspiring for all the moms around the world as well.
“So, yeah, it’s cool.”
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