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New Delhi: Novak Djokovic has come up with an interesting way to invite Serena Williams to return to tennis after she attended Maria Sharapova's induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame. Williams made headlines for her presence because her relationship with Sharapova wasn't on good terms during their playing days, but Williams stunned the tennis world by attending the event.
A surprised Djokovic praised Williams for her gesture. The 38-year-old star challenged Williams to make a comeback in professional tennis next year. Djokovic applauded Williams as a great competitor and 'When somebody challenges her, she never refuses,' he added.
Williams will turn 44 next month, and her sister Venus Williams, aged 45, is participating in the ongoing US Open, marking her return in a Grand Slam tournament after two years. Serena isn't officially retired from tennis, but left the sport in 2022, where her last appearance was in the U.S. Open.
"Of course, seeing Serena in any shape or form around tennis is great. You know, we miss her," Djokovic said, then added with a wry smile: "She still hasn't officially retired.” And then he added: "So I invite her. I challenge her. Because she's such a great competitor, when somebody challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena: Come back on the tour next year." Djokovic stated.
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Djokovic and Serena shared a good friendship bond off the court as both danced together on stage at the Champions Dinner after both won Wimbledon in 2015.
Djokovic looked in pain in almost every match in recent times, but he overcame all problems with his winning mentality. The 38-year-old improved his first-round record of the U.S. Open to 19-0 on August 25.
Djokovic was seen battling some leg issue but defeated Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2. The Serbian star admitted that he doesn't have any injury, but during the game, Djokovic put his hand on his knees many times.
