Novak Djokovic says Serena Williams' comeback is "truly inspirational" and he is looking forward to seeing her back on the court at Wimbledon.

Williams had already confirmed she would be playing doubles at All England Club alongside her sister Venus before she was handed a wildcard for singles.

She is a seven-time champion at the grand slam, but she has not competed at Wimbledon since 2022, when she was knocked out in the first round.

The 44-year-old's last title came in 2016, having triumphed in back-to-back years, while she also reached two consecutive finals in 2018 and 2019, but lost to Angelique Kerber and Simona Halep in the respective showpieces.

After the 2022 US Open, Williams said she was “evolving away from tennis” but never officially retired and made her return to the court in doubles at Queen's, alongside Viktoria Mboko.

Williams' return has caught the eye, and Djokovic, who is chasing a 25th grand slam title when he steps out at Wimbledon, is thrilled she decided to make a comeback.

"It's epic. That's what I told her," Djokovic said.

"I always admired her career, her journey, her story. Of course, Venus' as well.

This is not a drill.@serenawilliams will compete in the 2026 ladies' singles at #Wimbledon as a wild card. pic.twitter.com/1vHnDEQ4xm

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 21, 2026

"For her to come back after years of being absent from the tour, two children later, and to give so much effort…

"Not just for her own satisfaction or coming back on the tour, but also to give all of us the pleasure of seeing her back on the court – in singles as well as doubles – is remarkable.

"I told her that whatever happens, what she's doing is truly inspirational for me personally, I'm sure for millions around the world."

The Williams sisters will be competing at Wimbledon a decade on from winning their sixth and final doubles title at the tournament.

They will take on Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round.

"It's very special indeed. We have had quite a history here, and it's nice to be back in 2026, so ready to go," Venus Williams told reporters.

"I'm excited we're playing together, and I can't wait until we hit the courts.

"As soon as she wanted to play doubles, and we were playing doubles, that's how it works."