“She will be a threat at Wimbledon” Despite a year-long absence, Serena Williams gets the backing of Patrick McEnroe ahead of her comeback
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Patrick McEnroe and Serena Williams
Former World No. 1 and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams finally announced her much-awaited comeback via an Instagram post a couple of days ago sending a wave of excitement in the entire tennis community. Serena had not played since her first-round injury withdrawal at the 2021 Wimbledon and with speculations arising about whether it was her last match ever, the American has smashed the doubts as she confirms her return.
Serena will be playing at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships courtesy of an wildcard as her current rank of World No. 1208 doesn’t allow her to even make it to the qualifying rounds. However, being a 7-time singles, 6-time doubles and a 1-time Mixed Doubles champion at the All-England Club is enough for her to get a wildcard and enter the main-draw directly in her bid to win the record tying 24th career Grand Slam title, making her the joint most successful major titles winner in history of tennis.
“I’m pumped that she’s playing”: Patrick McEnroe on Serena Williams returning to Wimbledon
Speaking about Serena’s return, former American pro Patrick McEnroe expressed his delight on seeing his compatriot return to action once again. Candid as always, he admitted that he doesn’t see Serena making a deep run but he won’t be shocked or surpised if she actually does given her vast experience and track record of making great comebacks earlier as well.
“That is awesome news. I’m pumped that she’s playing. Am I optimistic about how well she can do? I’m not optimistic and maybe honest, but she is Serena. So if she can practice well and she’s feeling fit, obviously she could be a threat. Obviously she’ll be susceptible, particularly in the first couple of matches and as we know in women’s tennis now, there’s a lot more depth.
“She should be unseeded because she hasn’t played at all. I might make the case, you know, throw her in at seed number 28 or something just because she’s Serena and she’s won a gazillion times, she’s won 23 majors. We could have Serena-Swiatek in the opening round. I’m glad she’s making the effort to come back. Do I expect her to make a deep run? I don’t expect it. Will I be shocked? No, because she’s Serena,” said McEnroe in comments reported by TennisBuzz.
Prior to her appearance at Wimbledon, Serena will first play Doubles in the Eastbourne International next week along with World No. 4 Ons Jabeur parterning with the Tunisian for the first time ever as the duo has not competed once against each so far. Jabeur had expressed her happiness on teaming up with the tennis great and also revealed when the pairing was made and confirmed.
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