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.”

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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.”