NEW DELHI: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has welcomed Serena Williams’s return to professional tennis, describing the comeback of the 23-time Grand Slam champion as “very good news for tennis” and admitting she is excited by the possibility of facing the American legend on court.The biggest talking point at the start of the second week of the French Open did not emerge from the action in Paris. Instead, attention shifted to Serena Williams, who officially confirmed she was ending her four-year retirement and returning to competitive tennis.Williams, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, will begin her comeback in doubles at Queen’s Club. The former world No. 1 has received a main-draw wildcard alongside rising Canadian star Victoria Mboko for the prestigious grass-court event.Hours after the announcement, Sabalenka booked her place in the French Open quarterfinals with an impressive 7-5, 6-3 victory over Naomi Osaka. Following the match, the Belarusian was asked for her reaction to Williams’s surprise return.Initially seeking clarification on whether Williams would be competing in singles or doubles, Sabalenka responded enthusiastically after learning the American would start her comeback campaign in doubles.“That’s fun. That’s cool. She has a really cool personality. She’s fun. She’s a legend. It’s inspiring to see. I’m actually excited to see her play and probably face her. It’s very cool. It’s very good news for tennis,” she said.Sabalenka’s comments reflect the excitement surrounding Williams’s return, with many players and fans eager to see the tennis icon back on the tour.Reports have also suggested that Williams could make her singles return at the Berlin Open, which is scheduled to begin on June 15. While no official confirmation has been made, speculation continues to grow regarding her plans for the grass-court season.If Williams does enter the Berlin tournament, she could potentially face Sabalenka, who is expected to headline the field. Such a matchup would mark one of the most anticipated encounters of the season and add another chapter to Williams’s remarkable tennis journey.
