The seven-time Wimbledon champion, Serena Williamshad doubts about accepting an invitation (wildcard) for this year’s singles draw, but now says she is excited to enjoy her return to the Grand Slam.
The 44-year-old American, on Center Court, on Tuesday (30), marking her first appearance at Wimbledon since 2022, when she fell in her debut.
retired from tennis later that year, but returned to competing this month.
“In general, I think my expectations are definitely different for the first time in my career,” Williams told media on Sunday in London.
“I feel like my feelings right now are — not that I’ve never enjoyed it before, otherwise I wouldn’t be here today — but I feel like I’m really going to enjoy being on the court.”
His last singles match at a competitive level was at the 2022 US Open, when he said he was “transitioning away from tennis”. She will now face 20-year-old No. 53-ranked Joint, who has won two WTA titles, including a grass-court tournament in Eastbourne last year.
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“I expect to be nervous. I’ve always been nervous in every match in my life,” she said.
“I think it showed passion, love and care for my work, whether it was the first round or the final. I always had nerves. But then I pick myself up and move on.”
Williams returned to the court this month after a four-year absence, playing doubles at the Queen’s Club with Canadian Victoria Mboko and also competing in Berlin.
Asked about her return and the message she wants to convey, the mother of two said she values the chance to compete again.
“People live to be athletes. I have this great opportunity to show what I do, what I do best, I suppose,” he said.
“I think ultimately I thought, this is really cool, so I should do it.”
“I imagine there will be a message that I will understand and also learn from, and that I will be able to share. But for now, I think you need to believe in yourself and go after any dream, no matter how crazy it seems.”
The tournament takes place between June 29th and July 12th.
