Serena Williams’ Wimbledon return. Novak Djokovic called it ‘epic’; Aryna Sabalenka also impressed |: Tennis News:
India’s Season at Wimbledon. Aorangi Park is always buzzing in the days leading up to Wimbledon, but on Saturday, as temperatures soared to 30 degrees, every camera lens and pair of eyes seemed to be on someone. Then, when he finally walked onto the court, 30 minutes after his scheduled practice time, the conversations stopped and the phones went up in the air to capture the moment. The queen of the Center Court has just arrived on the grass.Serena up close is a fascinating sight, even to trained eyes. It is not a visible part, but his very presence, an aura that humbles the stage and everything around it.The 44-year-old, who is leaner than when she left tennis nearly four years ago, has put together this comeback with meticulous attention to detail. On the court, Serena started slowly before quickly picking up the pace, like a well-tuned engine ready to rev. In the next eighty minutes he showed his full range. forehand, backhand, single-handed slice, low volleys, deft put-aways, and solid serve. The only thing missing is the trademark power, which he can save for game day.On the court were his two coaches, Jarmere Jenkins, who used to be his hitting partner, and Rennae Stubbs. Waiting in the wings are physio Federica Scalabrino, fitness trainer Derick Pierson and, watching from afar, his longtime agent Jill Smoller.It’s not so much the cast of characters that matters, but what it means. This return is not a whim. Serena returned with a purpose, perhaps for her children to watch over her for the entire flight, but the rest of the tour was warned.Serena, the seven-time champion here, has not played a single match since the 2022 US Open. Now armed with a wildcard, he will open his campaign against Maya Joint in Australia on Tuesday. Should he beat the 20-year-old world no. 53, she will next meet popular Filipino Alexandra Eala, the 29th seed, with a potential third-round clash against defending champion Iga Swiatek looming ahead.The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s influence on the game goes beyond results or rankings. From her fearless shot selection and refusal to be swayed by outside voices, to her bold, statement-making fashion, she has shaped tennis at all levels. His presence reverberates throughout the game in ways that numbers alone cannot capture, yet the numbers still reflect his dominance against every generation.World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka says Serena’s return has brought more eyeballs to the sport. “It’s Serena Williams, everybody’s talking about that,” he said.Novak Djokovic used the word “epic” to describe Serena’s effort. “For him to come back after two children is amazing. I told him what he does is a true inspiration for me personally and I’m sure for millions around the world,” he said, adding, “I’ve seen him in the gym more than I’ve seen him in his prime.After the birth of her second daughter, Serena struggled to lose her pregnancy weight despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Last year he revealed that he lost 31 pounds by joining the GLP-1 weight loss drug. The revelation divided opinion among fans, but the 44-year-old is simply doing what feels right for her body.In many ways, his return to Wimbledon felt less like a comeback and more like the continuation of a story that never really went away. The stage is the same, the spotlight is familiar, but the context is different now, shaped by time, motherhood, and perspective. And so, the show goes on.
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