Seven-time Wimbledon singles champion Serena Williams is set to make her highly anticipated comeback at the All England Club, with tennis superstar Novak Djokovic praising her 'inspirational' efforts. The 44-year-old Williams will play her first singles match in four years against Maya Joint on Tuesday, and is also confirmed to be playing doubles with her sister Venus at the tournament.
According to Djokovic, Williams' decision to return to the sport after years of absence is 'remarkable'. 'For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort, 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,' Djokovic said.
Djokovic, who is a 24-time grand slam champion and seven-time Wimbledon singles winner, opens his campaign against China's Wu Yibing on Monday. The Serbian was knocked out of the French Open in the third round by Joao Fonseca last month, but he revealed his confidence is high ahead of Wimbledon.
'I think it is different in terms of just the overall physical state,' Djokovic said. 'I think I'm better prepared here than I was for Roland Garros. Obviously playing on grass, comparing to clay, you don't need to exert as much physical effort. So that's better for me.'
Williams' comeback is being closely watched by tennis fans around the world, and her decision to play doubles with her sister Venus at the tournament is seen as a bold move. The sisters will face a tough challenge in the doubles competition, but their experience and skill will be invaluable.