By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 24, 2025
NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic is not only Grand Slam king—he’s a devoted tennis fan.
The 38-year-old Serbian superstar, like many tennis fans around the world, celebrated the sight of Serena Williams inducting former rival and now good friend Maria Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame on Saturday night.
Djokovic was so invigorated by the sight of Serena at the iconic Newport Hall, he took time out during his US Open press conference to night to issue a challenge to his fellow GOAT.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic challenged the 23-time major title holder Serena Williams, his former Wimbledon dance partner, to make a competitive comeback in 2026.
“Of course, seeing Serena in any shape or form around tennis is great. You know, we miss her,” Djokovic told the media after defeating American Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2. “She still hasn’tofficially retired (smiling).
“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.”
The owner of 100 career titles, Djokovic is good friend with both Sharapova and Williams and said the sight of the former rivals embracing on stage and Serena’s touching tribute to Maria was “a wonderful moment” for both champions and the sport.
“It was surprising, but very nice gesture from Serena to be there for Maria,” said Djokovic, who reunited with fellow Big 4 icons Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal at a powerful Roland Garros tribute ceremony to the King of Clay earlier this season. “They had some really intense rivalries and incredible matches over the years.
“But they said it, they were honest I think during their speeches. Serena I think mentioned that Maria or people probably think about Serena as one of the last people that would be there to introduce. But at the same time, as she said in her speech, which I think she beautifully, eloquently explained, that people thought that they are miles apart in their differences, but they were actually very much the same in terms of they wanted the same thing and competed on the same tour for so many years.
“No, it was great. It was great. It was wonderful moment, and I think Maria deserves it.”
