Djokovic inspired by Serena Williams' comeback as he targets Wimbledon history

Novak Djokovic is finding motivation in Serena Williams' remarkable return to professional tennis as he aims to make history at Wimbledon. Williams, 44, is set to play her first singles match in four years, drawing parallels with Djokovic's own pursuit of an all-time record 25 Grand Slam singles titles. The American legend has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, just behind Djokovic's men's record of 24.

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What she's doing is inspirational and it's epic. That's what I told her. I always admired her career, her journey, her story. 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 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.

Djokovic, 39, recently connected with Williams to discuss her comeback, inspired by her determination to play again after having two children. "What she's doing is inspirational and it's epic," Djokovic told reporters. "For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort... 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."

Djokovic, who became the oldest men's Grand Slam singles finalist in the Open Era at the Australian Open in January, sees Williams's return as a positive omen. He hopes she enjoys a successful run at Wimbledon, a tournament she last won in 2016. "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," he commented.

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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. She created something historical, legendary in her career. She deserves every applause she's going to get.

Both Williams and Djokovic have achieved seven Wimbledon singles titles. However, Djokovic's most recent victory at the All England Club was four years ago, and he lost in the 2024 final to Carlos Alcaraz. After a disappointing third-round exit at the recent French Open, Djokovic acknowledges that time is a factor in his career. He believes Wimbledon's fast grass courts, which shorten rallies, provide the most favorable conditions for him to secure his 25th Grand Slam title. "I think I'm better prepared here than I was for Roland Garros... Playing on grass, comparing to clay, you don't need to exert as much physical effort," he stated.

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It is different in terms of just the overall physical state. I think I'm better prepared here than I was for Roland Garros, which was very demanding and draining. I was planning to peak at Wimbledon after the injury of the shoulder that kind of kept me away from the tour for several months. Obviously playing on grass, comparing to clay, you don’t need to exert as much physical effort. So that’s