Novak Djokovic calls Serena Williams’ Wimbledon comeback ‘epic’; Aryna Sabalenka is also impressed

Serena Williams of the United States (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) The Tech Word News at Wimbledon: Aorangi Park is always busy in the days leading up to Wimbledon, but on Saturday, when temperatures soared into the 30s, every camera lens and pair of eyes seemed to be on one person. Then when she finally stepped onto the court, 30 minutes into her scheduled practice, the chatter stopped and phones were raised in the air to capture the moment. The center court queen has just arrived on the grass.Serena up close is a mesmerizing sight even for experienced eyes. It’s not a single feature that stands out, but her very presence, an aura that transcends the stage and everyone around it.The 44-year-old, who is noticeably thinner than when she retired from tennis nearly four years ago, has coupled this comeback with meticulous attention to detail. On the court, Serena got off to a slow start before quickly picking up the pace, like a well-tuned engine ready to rev. Over the next eighty minutes, she showed off her full range: forehand, backhand, one-handed slice, low volleys, deft layups and solid serves. The only thing she was missing was the trademark she might be saving for match day.On the court were her two coaches, Jarmere Jenkins, once her striking partner, and Rennae Stubbs. Physiotherapist Federica Scalabrino, fitness trainer Derick Pierson and her longtime agent Jill Smoller were waiting in the wings.It’s not so much about the cast of characters, but what they mean. This return is no whim. Serena returned, intending perhaps her children to follow her in full flight, but was warned the rest of the way.Serena, the seven-time champion here, has not played a singles match since the 2022 US Open. Now armed with a wild card, she will begin her campaign against Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday. Should she surpass the 20-year-old’s world number 53, she could next face popular Filipina Alexandra Eal, the 29th seed, with a potential third-round clash against defending champion Igo Swiatek looming further afield.The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s impact on the game goes far beyond results or rankings. From her fearless stroke selection and refusal to be swayed by outside voices to her bold, statement fashion, she has shaped tennis at all levels. Her presence resonates throughout the sport in ways that cannot be captured by numbers alone, yet those numbers still reflect her dominance over every generation.World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenkova says Serena’s return has brought more eyeballs to the sport. “It’s Serena Williams, everyone’s talking about it,” she said.Novak Djokovic used the word “epic” to describe Serena’s effort. “It’s remarkable that she’s come back after two kids. I told her what she’s doing is really inspiring to me personally and I’m sure to millions of people around the world,” he said, adding: “I see her in the gym more than when she was at her peak.”After the birth of her second daughter, Serena struggled to lose weight even as she maintained a healthy lifestyle. Last year, she revealed that she lost 31 pounds by incorporating GLP-1 weight loss medication. The post divided the opinions of fans, but the 44-year-old simply did what she thought was right for her body.In many ways, her return at Wimbledon feels less like a comeback and more like a continuation of a story that never quite faded. The stage is the same, the spotlight familiar, but the context is now different, shaped by time, motherhood and perspective. And so the show goes on.