Serena Williams news: Tennis legend wants the 40-year-old to challenge for her 24th Grand Slam

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Serena Williams in action

Monica Seles has revealed that she “selfishly” wants 23 time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams to get back on court and compete for her 24th major title.

The former world No 1 believes the 40-year-old set the standard for the modern women’s game and she wants to see her carry that on to set an example for the younger player climbing up the ranks.

Williams hasn’t played since Wimbledon last year but the 2022 second highest paid female athlete hasn’t announced whether she’ll be retiring anytime soon.

“Selfishly, I really hope (Williams) comes back, I think it would be great to see her chase that record, kind of what we’re seeing with Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic,” Seles told Richard Osborn at Indian Wells.

“As a former player to me it’s just unbelievable, I would think it’s not possible and they still keep going, I think that’s a credit to the sport too, to make sure that the stars are staying longer in the sport, that whole longevity-recovery period.

“And then the younger players, it’s so exciting, it’s only a matter of time before they break through.”

The 48-year-old former player also believes that Williams has done wonders for the women’s game and thinks it’s currently in a good place.

The nine time Grand Slam winner said: “I think also the barriers Serena was able to break were so huge off the court for us women, that she was able to have a daughter and come back to the sport is just fantastic to see, that has trickled down to someone like Victoria Azarenka, to lower ranked players.

“The women’s game is in a great place right now, even as a former player when I look at a draw I have no clue who’s going to win it – I think that’s the story here also, the players are so close in terms of the level.

“On any given day anybody can win the tournament, I think it’s great for the sport, it’s great for the upcoming players who want to be on the tour one day to see that variety, to say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.” It’s great motivation for the players.”

But it is still unknown when Williams will return to the court, if ever.

Monica Seles Serena Williams

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