Twenty-three-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams will make her highly anticipated singles return at Wimbledon on Wednesday against emerging Australian player Maya Joint on Centre Court.
Williams downplayed expectations for her unlikeliest comeback, almost four years after losing her last singles match at the 2022 US Open, asserting she has nothing to prove and does not need to win.
Former US Open champion Sam Stosur expressed skepticism regarding Williams' relaxed public narrative, noting that a champion of her caliber enters tournaments with a competitive mindset.
"She wouldn't have gone about this decision lightly, I'm sure, and I'm pretty certain, being the champion that she is, she's not there just to make up the numbers," said Stosur.
Stosur added that the American tennis legend likely believes she can still perform well at the All England Club.
"She's going into this, I think, believing she can win matches and do well," said Stosur.
Williams revealed that her decision to accept a singles wildcard at Wimbledon was made at the last minute, expressing ongoing uncertainty about her return.
"I wasn't sure up until then. Honestly, I'm still not even sure, but we'll see," said Williams.
Williams acknowledged her 20-year-old opponent, noting she had reviewed some footage of Joint before addressing the matchup.
"I'm sure she knows my game," said Williams.
Joint, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 28 in February but has dropped 13 of her last 14 matches due to injuries, described Williams as a mythical figure.
"I never thought I'd actually play her. I've never actually seen her in person.
She feels, like, not real, just a legend of the game … she must feel ready to play, and she's played," said Joint.
Two-time major champion Coco Gauff advised Joint to maintain a strong mental focus and avoid getting overwhelmed by the occasion.
"I did not want to see Venus' name.
No matter how much you try to block it out; I feel like once you see the name, it makes everything seem real," said Gauff.
Gauff emphasized that entering the court with confidence is crucial for the young Australian.
"Also, you have to go in with the belief you can win," said Gauff.
Australian tennis star Alex de Minaur stated that it is a significant challenge for Joint to treat the historic encounter like any regular match.
"You give [the greats] so much respect because of everything they have achieved, but sometimes you've got to try and remember to give yourself that respect that you've earned that spot," said de Minaur.
De Minaur shared his personal experiences facing Rafael Nadal to illustrate how players adapt over time.
"I played Rafa a couple of times. I played him early in my career, and at the end of my career," said de Minaur.
The Australian top-10 player explained that facing a legendary opponent multiple times helps build self-confidence.
"As I played him a couple more times, it was clear that he wasn't in his prime, so you start to understand that, and give yourself a bit more credit and respect.
Then, you can go out and play the tennis match on its own terms – but it's not easy," said de Minaur.
