Novak Djokovic hints that Serena Williams may return to competitive action with Wimbledon possible - 'She's coming back'
ByTNT UK
Updated 05/03/2026 at 20:19 GMT
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Novak Djokovic has fuelled fresh speculation that Serena Williams could return to competitive action this year. Williams has not played since the 2022 US Open third round defeat to Ajla Tomljanovic. However, the American re-entered the drug-testing pool in late 2025 and became eligible to play again on February 26 despite recently insisting that rumours of a comeback were misplaced.
'I think she's coming back' - Djokovic hopes for Serena Williams return at Wimbledon
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Novak Djokovic has suggested that Serena Williams may return to competitive tennis later this year.
Williams has not played since the 2022 US Open after she crashed out of the competition in the third round to Ajla Tomljanovic, losing 5-7 7-6 1-6 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 23-time Grand Slam winner responded to rumours of a potential return on her X account earlier in December, posting: "Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy."
However, her re-entry to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) drug testing pool has fuelled speculation that she will compete again at some point in 2026.
And Djokovic has suggested that the 44-year-old may play her first game in almost four years later this year.
Williams was brought up by reporters before the Indian Wells Open, which runs until 15 March.
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"Serena Williams has entered the doping protocol again," one reporter stated, to which Djokovic replied: "She's coming back."
The Serb was then asked if Williams is coming back, with Djokovic firing back: "Is she coming back? Is that a question?"
And when pressed on Williams potentially returning to the game, Djokovic said: "I think she's coming back. I don't know. I haven't spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she's coming back.
"Where and how, singles, doubles, we don't know, and if I'm in her position, I would hide it too.
"Yeah, everybody is excited, and it's definitely something that's very highly anticipated. So, you know, let's see."
The 38-year-old was then quizzed whether Wimbledon, which runs from June 29 to July 12, is a possibility for the American. "I pick that one as well as her comeback, but yeah, I don't know," Djokovic responded.
"I think she might maybe play a doubles tournament or two with Venus. That would be nice to see, just from my point of view and tennis fans, for sure.
"Yeah, and she's one of the greatest athletes, really. It would be great to have her back too."
Serena's sister, Venus Williams, will compete at Indian Wells this month having been given a wildcard into both the singles and doubles draws in California.
Djokovic returns to 'Tennis Paradise'
Djokovic will kick off his Indian Wells campaign this weekend in the round of 64, though his opponent is still to be determined.
And the 24-time Grand Slam winner said that it’s "nice" to be in America again as he gears up for his first tournament since the Australian Open final defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in January.
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"Yeah, it's good. Nice to be in America again, and Indian Wells, obviously one of the two Sunshine Doubles," Djokovic said on Wednesday.
"I have had a fair amount of success in this tournament and it has always been one of my favourite tournaments to visit.
"I think I'm not the only player, honestly, with the great weather, facilities, just where we are, location, and proximity to LA, one of the best cities to visit, and the history of the event, Tennis Paradise. It's really a tennis paradise here, so rightfully named that way.
"You know, I'm enjoying myself, and hopefully I can have a good tournament."
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