INDIAN WELLS, Calif. — Even Novak Djokovic can not help however get enthusiastic about Serena Williams’ much-speculated return to tennis.
Chatting with the media on the BNP Paribas Open on Wednesday, the 23-time main champion was requested about Williams’ determination to clear doping protocols, paving the way in which for a possible comeback.
“I feel she’ll come again,” Djokovic stated. “I do not know. I have never talked to her, however possibly it is the sensation that she’s coming again. I do not know the place or how, singles or doubles. If I had been her, I might disguise it too.”
“Nicely, everybody’s excited and it is undoubtedly extremely anticipated. So, let’s have a look.”
When pressed additional, Djokovic stated she believed Wimbledon, the place each Williams and Djokovic have gained seven instances, might be a probable venue for her official return. Nevertheless, he added that she “possibly play a doubles event or two with Venus” first.
“It is undoubtedly good, however from my perspective and from a tennis fan’s perspective,” the 38-year-old Djokovic stated. “Yeah, and (Serena) is without doubt one of the actually nice athletes. It might be nice to have her again as properly.”
Williams retired from tennis after the 2022 U.S. Open to proceed rising her household, or, in her phrases, “evolving.” The next 12 months, she and her husband Alexis Ohanian welcomed their second baby collectively.
In recent times, the 44-year-old has been seen publicly cheering on her older sister Venus, who continues to play professionally. Venus, however, overtly expressed her want for Serena to nonetheless play for Serena, who wrote, “P.S. I want I might be such as you,” in a put up praising Venus after shedding within the first spherical of the US Open in August.
Williams returned to the Worldwide Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA) registered testing pool within the fall, and information of her re-registration broke in early December. In doing so, she can be required to supply a spot to remain always of the day and take part in random testing for six months earlier than formally returning.
She denied returning on the time, posting on X: “Oh no, I am not coming again.” However these days, her responses to such questions have softened. Earlier this week, present world No. 96 Alicia Parks posted a video of herself getting right into a battle with Williams, sparking additional hypothesis.
Williams formally returned late final month. She hasn’t offered additional info on whether or not or when she’s going to play once more, however that will not cease tennis followers, together with fellow GOATs like Djokovic, from getting excited concerning the risk.
