By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, August 24, 2025
NEW YORK—Novak Djokovic isn’t solely Grand Slam king—he’s a faithful tennis fan.
The 38-year-old Serbian famous person, like many tennis followers around the globe, celebrated the sight of Serena Williams inducting former rival and now good good friend Maria Sharapova into the Worldwide Tennis Corridor of Fame on Saturday night time.
Djokovic was so invigorated by the sight of Serena on the iconic Newport Corridor, he took day out throughout his US Open press convention to nighttime to difficulty a problem to his fellow GOAT.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic challenged the 23-time main title holder Serena Williams, his former Wimbledon dance companion, to make a aggressive comeback in 2026.
“In fact, seeing Serena in any form or kind round tennis is nice. You realize, we miss her,” Djokovic informed the media after defeating American Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2. “She nonetheless hasn’t
formally retired (smiling).
“So I invite her, I problem her. As a result of she’s such a terrific competitor, when anyone challenges her, she by no means refuses. So I problem Serena, come again on the tour subsequent 12 months.”
The proprietor of 100 profession titles, Djokovic is sweet good friend with each Sharapova and Williams and mentioned the sight of the previous rivals embracing on stage and Serena’s touching tribute to Maria was “an exquisite second” for each champions and the game.
“It was stunning, however very good gesture from Serena to be there for Maria,” mentioned Djokovic, who reunited with fellow Large 4 icons Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Rafael Nadal at a robust Roland Garros tribute ceremony to the King of Clay earlier this season. “They’d some actually intense rivalries and unbelievable matches over time.
“However they mentioned it, they had been sincere I believe throughout their speeches. Serena I believe talked about that Maria or individuals in all probability take into consideration Serena as one of many final individuals that might be there to introduce. However on the similar time, as she mentioned in her speech, which I believe she fantastically, eloquently defined, that individuals thought that they’re miles aside of their variations, however they had been really very a lot the identical when it comes to they needed the identical factor and competed on the identical tour for thus a few years.
“No, it was nice. It was nice. It was great second, and I believe Maria deserves it.”
