Serena Williams has been tipped to make a deep run at Wimbledon after tennis legend John McEnroe admitted he was stunned by her decision to return to professional tennis after almost five years away.
The 44-year-old will make one of the most eagerly anticipated comebacks in recent sporting history when she takes to Centre Court on Tuesday for her first singles match since stepping away from the sport in 2022.
Williams, who has accepted wildcards into both the singles and doubles draws, is chasing an eighth Wimbledon singles crown and will also reunite with sister Venus Williams in the doubles competition.
Her opening test comes against Australia’s Maya Joint, but McEnroe believes the American great has returned with ambitions far greater than simply enjoying one last appearance at the All England Club.
Speaking ahead of Williams’ comeback, the seven-time Grand Slam champion admitted the decision had caught him off guard.
“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.”
Serena Williams has been tipped to make a deep run at Wimbledon after tennis legend John McEnroe admitted he was stunned by her decision to return to professional tennis after almost five years away
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Williams retired with 23 Grand Slam singles titles to her name, leaving her just one short of Margaret Court’s all-time record.
Since leaving the tour she has focused on family life and business interests, making her return to competitive action in doubles at Queen’s Club earlier this month before accepting her Wimbledon invitations.
McEnroe believes that history suggests Williams would never return unless she genuinely believed she could challenge the world’s best once again.
“She’s got a lot, from what I understand, going on off the court and seemed to be perfectly content with what was happening,” he continued.
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“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.
“It’s pretty amazing, but it certainly gives the tournament a shot in the arm.”
McEnroe also refused to dismiss the possibility that Williams could extend her comeback beyond Wimbledon and even target the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Maybe she’s thinking longer term, like maybe she wants to play in the Olympics with her sister,” he said.
“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.”
Williams has also received glowing support from Novak Djokovic, who described her return as “inspirational and epic” as he prepares for his own bid to equal the men’s record of eight Wimbledon singles titles.
Serena Williams is looking for an eighth Wimbledon crown this summer
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The Serbian said he had been impressed by Williams’ commitment behind the scenes.
“I told her that whatever happens, what she’s doing is truly inspirational for me personally, I’m sure for millions around the world,” Djokovic said.
“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.”
