John McEnroe has 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 made her return to professional tennis at the Queen's doubles earlier in the month before accepting two wildcards from Wimbledon. The American legend will compete for her eighth singles title and team up with her older sister Venus in the women's doubles event.
Williams' first singles match in nearly five years
Williams will play her first singles match in almost five years on Tuesday, taking on Australia's Maya Joint on Centre Court. When Williams announced her retirement in 2022, she had won 23 Grand Slam titles – the second-most in history behind Margaret Court.
Asked how Williams will fare back at the All England Club, McEnroe – a tennis icon with seven Grand Slams – said: 'I guess the exciting part is we're not sure. 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.'
McEnroe on Williams' motivation
'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 added. '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.'
Tournament boost and Olympic speculation
McEnroe said Williams' return gives the tournament 'a shot in the arm' and that 'there's not a tennis fan around that isn't excited about it.' He noted 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 added that practice is different from a match.
McEnroe was also asked whether Williams' shock return could be inspired by a desire to play in the 2028 Olympics, hosted in Los Angeles. 'That's a good question that I don't know the answer to,' McEnroe said. '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.'
Djokovic calls return 'inspirational and epic'
Novak Djokovic, 39, described Williams' return as 'inspirational and epic' before the start of Wimbledon. Like Williams, the Serbian legend is hoping to show age is just a number as he bids to win a record-equalling eighth SW19 title. Djokovic 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.'
'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.'
