World number seven Karolina Pliskova has claimed that Serena Williams will find it “super difficult” to challenge for another Grand Slam after a year away from the game.

It was announced last week that seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams will compete this year.

The 40-year-old, who will be looking to win a record-extending 24th Grand Slam title, was given a wild card to this years event having not played since 2021 where she suffered a first round injury.

Prior to Wimbledon, Serena will be competing in the double’s event at the Eastbourne International alongside Ons Jabeur.

Reacting to the news of Serena Williams’s surprise appearance at Wimbledon this year, last year’s runner-up Karolina Pliskova has argued that it could be tough going for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

Speaking to reporters in a recent interview, the Czech said that despite Serena being an “amazing player”, she believes that the former world number one will find it “super difficult” after having spent such a long time on the sidelines.

“I don’t know how long it has been since she has played. Has it been a year? It is a long time and she is not the youngest any more so I suppose the body also takes some time to get back into shape.

“Playing matches at tournaments is still very much different to just practising and from what I understand, she is not playing (singles) here [in Eastbourne], she is just playing doubles.

“I think it will be difficult, super difficult for her no matter which kind of player she is because this is a thing where you still need some time.

“But of course, she is an amazing player, she achieved so much and still a number of players will be super scared to play her. This is her advantage but let’s see the level. I cannot really say.”