The Times of India at Wimbledon: Aorangi Park is always buzzing in the days leading up to Wimbledon, but on Saturday, as temperatures soared to 30 degrees, every camera lens and pair of eyes seemed fixed on one person. Then, when she finally strode onto court, 30 minutes after her scheduled practice time, conversations paused and phones rose into the air to capture the moment. The queen of Centre Court had just arrived on the grass.Serena up close is a mesmerising sight, even for seasoned eyes. It is not any single feature that stands out, but her presence itself, an aura that dwarfs the stage and everyone around it.The 44-year-old, noticeably leaner than when she stepped away from tennis nearly four years ago, has pieced this comeback together with painstaking attention to detail. On the court, Serena started slowly before quickly picking up pace, like a well-tuned engine ready to rev. Over the next eighty minutes she showcased her full range: forehand, backhand, single-handed slice, low volleys, deft put-aways, and a solid serve. The only thing missing was the trademark power, which she may be saving for match day.On court were her two coaches, Jarmere Jenkins, once her hitting partner, and Rennae Stubbs. Waiting in the wings were physio Federica Scalabrino, fitness trainer Derick Pierson and, watching from a distance, her long-time agent Jill Smoller.It is not so much the cast of characters that matters, but what they signify. This comeback is no whim. Serena has returned with intent, maybe for her children to watch her in full flight, but the rest of the tour has been warned.Serena, the seven-time champion here, has not played a singles match since the 2022 US Open. Now armed with a wildcard, she will open her campaign against Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday. Should she overcome the 20-year-old world No. 53, she could next meet popular Filipino Alexandra Eala, the 29th seed, with a potential third-round clash against defending champion Iga Swiatek looming further ahead.The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s influence on the game extends far beyond results or rankings. From her fearless shot selection and refusal to be swayed by outside voices, to her bold, statement-making fashion, she has shaped tennis across every level. Her presence resonates throughout the sport in ways that cannot be captured by numbers alone, yet those numbers still reflect her dominance against every generation.World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka says Serena’s return has brought more eyeballs to the sport. “It’s Serena Williams, everyone is talking about that,” she said.Novak Djokovic used the word “epic” to describe Serena’s effort. “For her to come back after two children is remarkable. I told her what she’s doing is truly inspirational for me personally and I’m sure for millions around the world,” he said, adding, “I see her in the gym more than I have seen her when she was at her prime.”After the birth of her second daughter, Serena struggled to lose her pregnancy weight despite maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Last year she revealed that she had lost 31 pounds by incorporating GLP-1 weight-loss medication. The disclosure divided opinion among fans, but the 44-year-old simply did what felt right for her body.In many ways, her return at Wimbledon feels less like a comeback and more like the continuation of a story that never fully faded. The stage is the same, the spotlight familiar, but the context is different now, shaped by time, motherhood, and perspective. And so, the show goes on.
