Djokovic called Serena Williams “epic” and announced his future

Novak Djokovic on the eve of the US Open said what he really thinks about Serena Williams returning to tennis at 44 — and at the same time revealed plans for his own career after 40.

The Serb never tires of admiring his former opponent on the court — only now they no longer meet on opposite sides of the net, but in an interview Djokovic again spoke about Williams with undisguised respect.

“She is epic”

On the eve of the start of the US Open, 39-year-old Djokovic gave an interview to People, dedicated to the release of his documentary on Prime Video “Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter,” reported xrust. However, the conversation was not only about the film — journalists asked him about the return of Serena Williams, who at 44 years old again entered the professional level four years after the last official match.

According to Djokovic, he has long admired what the American is doing after the birth of two children, trying to compete at the highest level of Grand Slam tournaments. The result of her comeback, the Serbian emphasized, is no longer so important — he called the very fact of her return incredibly inspiring and urged everyone to simply enjoy her presence on the tour.

This is not the first time Djokovic has made such remarks towards Williams this season. Back in June, before Wimbledon, where the American was also preparing to return to the main draw, the Serbian said about the same thing in a pre-tournament press conference: he called her path inspiring and epic and admitted that he personally told her about it. At the time, he noted that he sees Williams in the gym more often than during her heyday, and regards this as proof of how serious she is about finishing the job.

Djokovic — about his own future

They also asked him if he sees himself playing on tour at over 40 years old, similar to Williams. Here the answer sounded much more restrained: Djokovic noted that he did not want to miss important events in the lives of loved ones, and admitted that the career of a professional athlete requires a certain amount of selfishness — you have to concentrate on yourself while those around you patiently support.

Earlier this year, the Serbian already voiced a guideline: he would like to play at least until the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, although questions about the end of his career admitted that he was quite tired.

Williams return context

For Serena Williams, this season is truly one of the most unusual in her career. She entered Wimbledon for the first time since 2022, receiving a wild card, and at the US Open she will go to play women's doubles with her sister Venus, who is already 46. The Open era record holder for the number of singles titles (23 victories at Grand Slam tournaments) did not officially announce her retirement, but she did not actively perform on the tour — so her every appearance on the court attracts increased attention.

Djokovic’s delight is not an isolated case: other tour stars said similar words about Williams. World number one Aryna Sabalenka called her comeback amazing, and Cori Gauff admitted that it was the Williams sisters who once inspired her to take up tennis.

Djokovic himself, meanwhile, continues the pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam title — at the US Open in the first round he will meet Argentine Mariano Navarro.

Sources:
people.com
espn.com
forbes.com

Xrust Djokovic called Serena Williams “epic” — and announced his future