Serena Williams will compete at Wimbledon in her first grand slam appearance since announcing her initial retirement in 2022. According to the latest betting figures from bet365, Williams is currently priced at odds of 33/1 to win the Wimbledon singles title, placing her as a notable long-shot contender on the prestigious grass courts.
Background of Her Return
Williams chose to 'evolve away' from tennis after her 2022 US Open defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic, a match many fans assumed would be the final appearance of her legendary career. However, she has opted to stage a sensational comeback. Before arriving at the All England Club, Williams tested her form by returning to competitive doubles action at Queen's Club earlier this month, teaming up with young prospect Victoria Mboko and later with Karolina Muchova in Berlin.
At 44 years old, the American icon initially received a wildcard for the women's doubles draw alongside her older sister, Venus Williams. However, Williams also accepted a late wildcard into the singles draw, setting up a first-round clash against Australian star Maya Joint.
John McEnroe's Reaction
John McEnroe admitted he was incredibly surprised by her decision to compete again after an absence of nearly four years. Speaking on the BBC, McEnroe said: 'I guess the exciting part is we're not sure. And 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.'
Despite his surprise, McEnroe stated that Williams would not return to Grand Slam tennis just to bow out early in the opening rounds. '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, this is for her to speak to. She speaks for this, she wants to play. I don't think that she's coming back just because she wants to play or 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,' McEnroe said.
Potential Long-Term Plans
McEnroe also wondered if this grass-court campaign is the beginning of a much larger, multi-year plan for Williams. He speculated that she could be eyeing a performance at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles with her sister, Venus. 'She's gonna sort of blow everyone's mind if she continues playing the next couple years. I don't know what to make of it, to be honest. I'm not sure. And I'm not 100% sure she knows. I can't imagine that she would know all is mapped out the next couple years, but maybe she's a step ahead of all of us. I don't know,' McEnroe added.
