Serena Williams’ comeback at Wimbledon didn’t end the way she would have wanted, or the way many of us hoped it might.
But for me, there were still plenty of positives to take away.
If Serena decides to play the US Open next month, as I hope she will, then I think her first singles match since 2022 showed more than enough to suggest she can win matches on the WTA Tour and at Flushing Meadows over the coming weeks.
Although she lost to Australia’s Maya Joint at Wimbledon – where she picked up a knee injury that denied her a doubles appearance with her sister Venus – I actually thought she played well enough to leave us wondering if there’s more to the comeback.
Watching Serena reminded me of seeing a legendary footballer like Ronaldinho. The movement might not be quite what it once was, but the talent and natural skill is unmistakable.
Elite talent doesn’t simply disappear, and Serena’s timing and shot-making remain exceptional.
She’s spoken openly about coming back to play for her family, but Serena is a fierce competitor.
I can’t imagine she would keep playing simply for appearances if her body isn’t allowing her to compete or if the results aren’t there. That’s not how she’s built.
I think the North American hard-court season is going to give a clearer indication of where she stands physically, just in terms of the conditions they play in.
Events such as Washington or Cincinnati are incredibly hot and incredibly humid. The US Open can be the same as well.