Patrick McEnroe thinks it is amazing for the game to have Serena Williams back and added he wouldn’t be surprised if the 23-time Grand Slam champion made a deep run at Wimbledon.
On Tuesday, Williams announced her plans to return to tennis next week in Eastbourne.
After teaming up with Ons Jabeur in Eastbourne, Williams plans to compete at Wimbledon.
Williams hasn’t played since last year’s Wimbledon.
“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,” McEnroe said on the Holding Court with Patrick McEnroe podcast.
Williams hasn’t played in 12 months and McEnroe noted it will be important how the American reacts in her first couple of matches.
“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,” McEnroe noted.
McEnroe on Williams’ Wimbledon chances
Williams is now ranked outside the top-1000 but she was awarded a main draw wildcard into Wimbledon.
However, she will likely be unseeded and theoretically there is a chance she meets top-ranked Iga Swiatek in the first round.
“Will she be seeded? I guess not because Wimbledon got rid of their system a couple of years ago. 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,” McEnroe added.
Williams is a seven-time Wimbledon champion, and even though McEnroe doesn’t expect the American to make a deep run, he wouldn’t be surprised if the 40-year-old did really well.
“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,” McEnroe concluded.