John McEnroe admitted he was 'rather surprised' by Serena Williams' stunning return to Wimbledon but believes the 44-year-old has serious intentions of 'going deep' at the tournament. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, will play her first singles match in almost five years on Tuesday against Australia's Maya Joint on Centre Court.
McEnroe on Williams' comeback
'I guess the exciting part is we're not sure,' McEnroe said. 'It's Serena Williams, who's like the GOAT, she's one of the greatest athletes, man or woman, that's ever played a sport. So the fact that she's decided to come back after having a couple of kids and having not played for four years is rather surprising, I must admit.'
McEnroe, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, noted that Williams seemed content off the court but appears driven to compete. 'She's got a lot, from what I understand, going on off the court and seemed to be perfectly content with what was happening. But apparently, and this is for her to say, but she wants to play. I don't think that she's coming back just because she wants to play a match or two. That doesn't sound like Serena Williams. So, I would guess that she's coming in and she's got like a purpose and thinks she can go well or go deep or go all the way.'
Impact on Wimbledon
McEnroe described Williams' return as a major boost for the tournament. 'It's pretty amazing, but it certainly gives the tournament a shot in the arm. So I don't think there's a tennis fan around that isn't excited about it.' He added that he only saw her play the first doubles match at Queen's, where 'she looked like the old Serena Williams in a way,' but acknowledged that practice is different from match play.
When asked if Williams' return could be inspired by a desire to play in the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, McEnroe said: 'That's a good question that I don't know the answer to. I don't think she's just thinking I'm going to come back and play a couple matches at Wimbledon. But I don't know what's in her head. Maybe she's thinking longer term, like maybe she wants to play in the Olympics with her sister. That's a couple years from now. I don't know. I mean, she's 44. She's going to sort of blow everyone's mind if she continues playing the next couple years. I don't know what to make of it, to be honest.'
Djokovic praises Williams
Novak Djokovic, 39, described Williams' return as 'inspirational and epic' before the start of Wimbledon. The Serbian star, who is bidding for a record-equalling eighth SW19 title, said: 'That's what I told her. I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus, as well. 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 added: 'I told her that whatever happens, what she's doing is truly inspirational for me personally, I'm sure for millions around the world. I see her in the gym more than I have, I think, seen her when she was at her prime. It tells me that she really wants this to work out the best way possible. It's admirable, honestly, the effort she's putting in. Of course, all eyes are on her comeback. I just hope that she will enjoy because she really deserves. She created something historical, legendary in her career. She deserves every applause she's going to get.'
Williams' path ahead
Williams accepted two wildcards from Wimbledon, competing in both singles and doubles with her sister Venus. Her last Grand Slam title came at the 2017 Australian Open, and she announced her retirement in 2022 after winning 23 majors, second only to Margaret Court's 24. The 44-year-old mother-of-two will face Maya Joint in the first round on Tuesday, with fans and pundits eager to see if she can recapture her former glory.
