Serena Williams’ comeback is confirmed, and the tennis world is justifiably enthralled by this revelation.
After all, whilst it had been teased for many months, to see the 23-time major champion actually confirm it felt surreal.
However, not everyone is seemingly enamoured with the decision.
In fact, Mats Wilander actually offered a rather scathing assessment of Serena Williams’ chances upon her return, in his latest column for L’Equipe.
Mats Wilander offers scathing assessment of Serena Williams comeback
Whilst he, naturally, is excited, the Swedish pundit also insisted that there’s little chance of her actually winning on her return.
Alas, Wilander began by praising her initial comeback plan: “If Serena had asked me for advice, I would have told her to do exactly that: start on grass and with doubles.
How excited are you to watch Serena Williams play on the WTA Tour once again? 🐐
“Because if she then wants to play singles, Wimbledon is the place where it will be easiest for her to win a match. She surely still serves very well, and not everyone knows how to play on grass.
“Afterwards, I would have asked Serena, Why are you doing this?”
The reason he would ask her that question was to explain how he’d react if Williams claimed to have genuine ambitions to win again.
Wilander shut this notion down, adding: Because you’re feeling fit? Because your sister is still going?’ If it’s just for fun, then you should definitely do it.
“If it has anything to do with trying to win again, I’d advise her to give it up. At 44, it’s too late. I mean, she might win a match or two. Have fun with the crowd. Be proud of herself. But more than that…
“Unless it’s to say goodbye. Because she didn’t get the farewell she wanted or deserved. In that case, I’d tell her: go ahead, do it.
“Either way, it’s great for women’s tennis and for our sport. Because ever since Novak [Djokovic] won his 24th Grand Slam title, I feel like she’s been forgotten.
“Even though she was the greatest, men and women combined, for years. She’s too important to tennis for us to stop talking about her.”
Serena Williams’ first two comeback tournaments confirmed
Whilst we’re yet to have Williams confirm when she will make her singles return, people have their theories.
However, for now, we only know of two tournaments that the American plans to play before she will almost certainly get a wildcard at Wimbledon.
Who would you like to see Serena Williams play doubles with if she returns?
The 44-year-old will begin her return to tennis at Queen’s, before then heading to Berlin.
Williams will start by playing doubles with Victoria Mboko.
It remains to be seen whether she will play singles or doubles in Germany.
