Serena Williams' comeback 'incredible for tennis', former and current stars agree: 'Semi-shocked that she...'

Serena Williams is set to come back on the court and experts all over the tennis world have consensus that this is a great thing for the sport. The 44-year-old will be returning to competitive action for the first time after four years.

The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion will be featuring in the doubles section at the upcoming Queen’s Club grass-court tournament in London. Speculations have also risen over a potential Wimbledon appearance of the four-time Olympic champion. If she plays the grass-court Major, it will be her first appearance at Wimbledon since 2022.

'Serena's comeback awesome for tennis'

Former tennis stars have expressed excitement over the return of Serena, who is considered one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

"Serena brought the game to another level and it is incredible for the sport that she's pushing the boundaries and coming back," said Martina Navratilova, the previous oldest former No. 1 to launch a comeback after retirement, at 43 years, 10 months.

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"To many of the younger players, they never had the opportunity to play her; some may have never watched her on television so this will be a new and exciting experience," Navratilova said.

American great John McEnroe was surprised by the decision but said that it is awesome for tennis.

“I’m semi-shocked that she’s decided to do this at her age after having two kids and what she’s accomplished,” McEnroe said on TNT Sports.

“I know she didn’t win a major after she had her first kid and I know that is something she wanted to prove she could do, so I’m assuming she was slightly disappointed in not doing that. Having said that, when’s her last match? Like four or five years ago?

“That’s a big ask even for Serena, but it’s awesome for tennis let’s be real. She’s the GOAT," he said.

Current players too are looking forward to share the court with the legendary tennis star.

"She's a legend. It's inspiring to see," top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka said. "I'm excited to see her play and probably face her. ... It's very good news for tennis."

"That would be really cool," top-ranked American star Coco Gauff said. "I did say one of my biggest regrets was not being able to play her. ... We'll see. But I think it would be cool for the sport to have a legend back playing."