I challenge Serena to come back on tour next year," Djokovic's call to Serena Williams
After years of rivalry, who would have thought that Serena Williams would come to give a speech at Sharapova's induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame. Indeed, in Newport, the site of the ceremony, the American took the microphone, starting with a symbolic and revealing statement about the relationship between the two champions:
"I know I'm probably the last person you expected to see tonight. Honestly, a few years ago, I probably would have said the same thing."
This situation sparked reactions from many figures in the sport, including the Serbian legend, Djokovic, who is currently present to compete in the US Open.
"It was a very beautiful gesture from Serena to be there for Maria. They had an intense rivalry and incredible matches over the years. But as Serena so well explained in her speech, people thought they were very different, but in reality, they were very similar. They wanted the same thing and competed on the same tour for so many years."
The 38-year-old player then continued by proposing a challenge to the American: to follow in her sister's footsteps and return to the tour:
"Seeing Serena in the tennis world is great. We miss her. She's a great competitor, and when someone challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena to come back on tour next year.
