Photo credit: Rob Stone/@RobStoneTennis
INDIAN WELLS—When Novak Djokovic envisions tennis’ future, he sees a prominent player from the past taking center stage.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion returned to Indian Wells today and shared his belief 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams may well be weeks away from her tennis comeback. Furthermore, Djokovic said if he was in the four-time Olympic gold medal champion’s shoes he wouldn’t telegraph too much information before returning either.
“I think she’s coming back,” Djokovic told the media in Indian Wells. “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.”
The 10-time Australian Open champion said he envisions Serena playing doubles with sister Venus before launching a potential singles comeback during grass season in preparation for Wimbledon, which starts on June 29th.
“I pick that one [Wimbledon] as well as her comeback, but yeah, I don’t know,” Djokovic said. “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.”