At Saturday's pre-Wimbledon press conference, Novak Djokovic called Serena Williams' return 'epic. The 24 Grand Slam champions' passionate comments summarized what Williams truly means to the tennis world.

At 44, Williams will be the second-oldest woman to return after Martina Navratilova, who competed in the 2004 Wimbledon at 47. The Queen's return was a moment for Novak to give flowers to one of the greatest to ever do it.

"What she's doing is very inspirational, and it's epic, and that's what I told her," Djokovic said per TNT Sports on X. "I always admired her career, her journey, her story, and of course, Venus' as well. For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later and give so much effort...is remarkable."

Williams deserves every praise possible. Despite all odds against her, the 23 Grand Slam champion still believes in her swings. Novak is one of the few players in Wimbledon to stand shoulder-to-shoulder in achievement with Williams.

"It's admirable, honestly, the effort that she's putting in...I just hope that she will enjoy it because she deserves it," Djokovic added.

She hasn't competed in four years and is coming back after two children. Earlier this month, she competed in the Queen's Club and the Berlin Tennis Open. Serena deserves this comeback more than anyone.

But it's not just Djokovic who is excited for Serena's return.

Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka get honest about Serena Williams' Wimbledon return

It's not just fans in the stands and in front of TV screens who are looking forward to Williams' return. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is equally excited as she is already watching conversations shift in anticipation.

“It’s amazing what she’s doing. Also, it’s Serena Williams, everyone was talking about that," Sabalenka said per Fox59. "She’s bringing more eyes on tennis. It’s a good thing for tennis. I’m really excited to see her play.”

In the previous two tournaments that Serena played, age and rust were both visible in her game. It will be difficult for her to go head-to-head against young stars.

Serena and her sister Venus together opened doors and inspired the next generations, like American tennis star Coco Gauff, who is equally excited for her idols' comeback.

“I played the sport because of them, believed that I could do things because of them. I look up to them a lot,” she said.

The Williams sisters dominated tennis for over a decade. Their return will be a fandom moment not just for viewers but for dozens of stars at Wimbledon who grew up watching the legends.

Serena has a very thin chance of going deep in the singles. She still has a chance in the doubles. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Read More at Her Sports Nation!

Written by

Nandjee Ranjan

Edited by

Shubhi Rathore