Novak Djokovic has conversed with Serena Williams ahead of her singles return at Wimbledon.
Djokovic and Williams have won a combined 47 Grand Slam singles titles in their careers, and are two of the greatest tennis players in history.
After appearing to have retired in 2022, Williams recently made a comeback in doubles at the Queen’s Club Championships.
Williams is now set to compete in singles at Wimbledon, and Djokovic has revealed what he told the American privately ahead of her Grand Slam return.
Novak Djokovic told Serena Williams that she has inspired him ahead of Wimbledon
Ahead of his 21st appearance at Wimbledon this year, Djokovic spoke to the media in his pre-tournament press conference.
This is where Djokovic was asked about Williams and if he had spoken to the former world number one.
Djokovic has been inspired by Williams’ comeback, which he explained that he told the 44-year-old at SW19 this week.
The Serbian also revealed that he has seen Williams in the gym more than when she was in the prime of her career.
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“Look, first and foremost, what she’s doing is inspirational and it’s epic,” said Djokovic. “That’s what I told her. I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus’ [Williams], as well.
“For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort to, 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.
“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, 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.”
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Novak Djokovic says he doesn’t know how Serena and Venus Williams played each other
Djokovic was asked about both Serena and Venus Williams later on in his press conference, as he was questioned about their impact on tennis as a whole.
The 39-year-old continued his praise for the Williams sisters, as Djokovic admitted he did not know how they played each other in Grand Slam finals, with his brothers Djordje and Marko once also professional tennis players.
“Well, what else I can add that I haven’t said in the previous question? We have seen also Will Smith’s Oscar award, King Richard performance,” answered Djokovic. “People got to know a little bit more that maybe don’t necessarily follow tennis, about the Williams sisters’ story. We kind of from the tennis knew that from before.
“It’s truly inspiring, the way they were brought up, the way they grew up in a very challenging environment that was not necessarily very supportive of their tennis. They’ve grown up to be very resilient people. The sisters stayed together, supported each other. Obviously Venus being a bit older made a breakthrough on the tour earlier than Serena.
“I don’t honestly know how they managed to play versus each other in the finals of Grand Slams or any other tournament. I have two younger brothers that played tennis, professional but not at the highest level. There was one or two times that I could have played one of my brothers in singles. Luckily for both of us, that didn’t happen. I just don’t know how you’re able to play your sibling on the court. I don’t know if I would be able to do that.
“That’s also another aspect to it, of their greatness, is how professional and competitive they were against each other, but loving and supporting of each other, as well. Their singles and doubles careers, Olympic Games, they won gold, silver, doubles. They’ve won everything you can possibly win in this sport.
“They transcend tennis as well. They went into different areas of life with business, fashion. Just the impact on the youth in America and worldwide has been tremendous. So big fan of both of them.”
Djokovic will begin his bid for a 25th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon on Monday, June 29, where he will play Yibing Wu in the first round.
While Serena Williams will play her first round singles match on Tuesday, June 30, against Maya Joint, before playing doubles with her older sister Venus for the first time in nearly four years.
