Novak Djokovic calls Serena Williams comeback epic at US Open
Novak Djokovic has hailed Serena Williams' return to professional tennis as "epic" and "inspirational" ahead of the 2026 US Open, where the 44-year-old plays women's doubles with sister Venus on a wild card. Djokovic, chasing a record 25th Grand Slam, told PEOPLE fans should savor Williams' presence at Flushing Meadows.
As the final Grand Slam of 2026 unfolds in New York, two tennis icons are back on the same grounds for different reasons. Djokovic is renewing his singles bid for history, while Serena Williams continues a comeback that has drawn praise across the sport four years after her last professional match.
Key Takeaways
- Djokovic called Serena Williams' comeback "epic" and urged fans to enjoy her presence at the US Open.
- Serena received a wild card to play women's doubles with Venus Williams at Flushing Meadows.
- Djokovic opens against Mariano Navone on Sunday, August 30, as he pursues a 25th Grand Slam singles title.
- Thea Frodin, who portrayed young Serena in "King Richard," makes her US Open main-draw debut on the same grounds.
- Frodin earned her wild card by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 18s National Championships.
What did Novak Djokovic say about Serena Williams?
Speaking to PEOPLE while promoting his Prime Video documentary "Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter," the 39-year-old Serbian praised his fellow legend's return at 44. "Serena is an inspiration. Serena is epic," Djokovic said. He highlighted her effort to compete at the highest level in Slams after having two children.
"Regardless of what she does, it's already incredibly inspiring. We should all enjoy her presence," he added. The remarks arrive as both players converge on Flushing Meadows, where Williams received a wild card to partner Venus in women's doubles.
Why does Serena Williams' US Open return matter?
Serena's doubles appearance caps a remarkable return to Grand Slam tennis. She stepped back onto tour four years after playing her last professional match, and her presence at the US Open has become one of the tournament's defining storylines.
For audiences following landmark comebacks that blend sport, culture, and global spectacle, narratives like Williams' often resonate well beyond the baseline — a thread we explore across our Future Tech & AI Wonders coverage when inspiration meets mass audiences.
How is Djokovic approaching his own US Open campaign?
While applauding Serena, Djokovic is focused on his own pursuit of a men's record 25th Grand Slam singles title. He faces Argentina's Mariano Navone in the first round on Sunday, August 30.
In the same PEOPLE interview, Djokovic said he gets "annoyed" by constant retirement questions but would like to play through the 2028 Olympics. He also reflected on balancing family life with elite competition, noting he does not want to miss important events for loved ones after living what he called an "incredibly fulfilling, successful professional life."
Who is Thea Frodin and how does she connect to Serena?
The US Open draw also features a cinematic full-circle moment. Thea Frodin, 17, earned a main-draw wild card by winning the USTA Billie Jean King Girls' 18s National Championships two weeks ago. At age 12, she served as Serena Williams' tennis double in the Oscar-winning film "King Richard," replicating young Serena's strokes on set several days a week for six months.
Frodin faces World No. 2 and reigning Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. ET in the Grandstand. Rybakina suffered a left ankle injury in Cincinnati 10 days earlier but told reporters on Saturday she had practiced and that it was "likely it's all good right now." Frodin, ranked World No. 585, told the WTA she has never met the Williams sisters but hopes this week will finally change that.
"Being able to play the role of somebody that I looked up to for my whole life was super special," Frodin said of portraying Serena. Her path from a Hollywood set to Flushing Meadows underscores how Williams' legacy continues to shape the next generation at the 2026 US Open.