INDIAN WELLS, United States (US): At the Indian Wells Masters, Novak Djokovic said he believes tennis legend, Serena Williams, could soon return to competitive tennis, a prospect that has players and fans buzzing with excitement.
“I think she’s coming back. I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she’s coming back. Where and how, singles or doubles, we don’t know,” Djokovic said on Wednesday.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, has not played since a third-round loss at the US Open in 2022.
However, the 44-year-old re-entered the anti-doping testing pool in December, making her eligible to compete again.
While she initially denied planning a comeback, she later left the door open, saying on NBC’s Today show: “That’s not a yes or a no. I’m just going to see what happens.”
Djokovic said the possibility of Williams’ return has created excitement across the tennis world.
“Everybody is excited, and it’s definitely something that’s very highly anticipated,” he said.
The Serbian star suggested that Wimbledon, where Williams has won seven singles titles, could be the stage for her comeback.
He also said it would be “nice to see” her play doubles with her sister, Venus Williams.
Djokovic is seeded third at Indian Wells as he returns to action after finishing runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final earlier this year.
He said he remains motivated to chase more titles and Grand Slam victories. – AFP
