What to (realistically) expect from Serena in Wimbledon singles

After a lot of speculation, Wimbledon gave the last singles wildcard to Serena Williams.

While this is an outstanding development for women’s tennis, it may be necessary to temper expectations about what she will do in singles.

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4 years out of tennis is a long time for Serena

Serena appears to be well conditioned, but she has not played two consecutive weeks of competitive tennis for nearly four years.

She is planning to play two weeks of singles and doubles tennis.

Serena is 44 years old.

The sport has gotten faster since she left it.

Assuming that she will win a Grand Slam immediately, or at all, is unrealistic.

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Players including Serena struggle after shorter injury absences

Recent history has shown that it is very difficult to come back from injury or childbirth and win a Grand Slam.

She couldn’t do it in her late 30s after having her first child. The last Grand Slam she won was the 2017 Australian Open when only Serena and her opponent Venus knew that she was pregnant.

Thinking she could automatically win a Grand Slam years later is not impossible but overly optimistic.

The real winners are tennis fans

For the fans who have not seen her play live, Serena’s reemergence is an unexpected gift.

It is important to put it in perspective and realize we are being treated to something no one expected to happen and enjoy every minute of the ride. Wimbledon just got more fascinating with the addition of the Serena storyline.