By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, June 2, 2026
Picture credit score: TPN/Getty
Serena Williams will launch her comeback on the historic Queen’s Membership grass subsequent week.
Elina Svitolina says the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s return might play out like former world No. 1 Roger Federer’s late-career return.
Svitolina, who beat Williams as soon as in six profession clashes, stated all-time iconic champions like Federer and Serena Williams have a pure present for the sport to come back again even after prolonged layoffs.
“Serena, it’s a really distinctive state of affairs. , she is like Roger,” Svitolina stated after struggling her sixth Roland Garros quarterfinal loss to Marta Kostyuk at present. “Possibly not play for a 12 months or one thing after which simply go and, yeah, play unbelievable.
“I feel it’s only a completely different, completely different stage of GOAT.”
Talking to TNT’s commentary panel, Venus Williams stated whereas she doesn’t imagine her youthful sister has been training often, she’s “not fearful” as a result of Serena is “a little bit of a pure” who by no means loses her swing.
.@Venuseswilliams on @serenawilliams‘s return to tennis: “The standard of her stroke is clearly there; she’s, I feel, a little bit little bit of a pure… she’s very tenacious. So, I am not fearful about how she’s going to play.” ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/BIuiZp2DBj
— TNT Sports activities U.S. PR (@TNTSportsPR) June 2, 2026
The three-time Rome champion Svitolina stated mom of two Serena continues to encourage all working mothers.
“So I’m actually excited, really, for her to come back again,” Svitolina stated. “I feel it’s an ideal story and really inspiring for all of the mothers all over the world as effectively.
“So, yeah, it’s cool.”
