What Novak Djokovic Really Thinks of Serena Williams’ ‘Epic’ Tennis Comeback at Age 44 (Exclusive)

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Novak Djokovic praises Serena Williams' inspiring return to tennis at 44 after a four-year break

Djokovic reflects on balancing his career with family life and hints at playing until the 2028 Olympics

His new documentary, The Wolf in Winter, explores his journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to tennis greatness

Novak Djokovic has nothing but praise for Serena Williams' return to tennis.

While speaking to PEOPLE about his Prime Video documentary Novak Djokovic: The Wolf in Winter, the tennis legend, 39, lauded his fellow all-time great's comeback to the sport at 44, four years after she played her last professional match.

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"Serena is an inspiration. Serena is epic," he says. "I've always been a fan of what she's doing after two children, coming back and attempting to compete at the highest level in Slams."

He adds, "Regardless of what she does, it's already incredibly inspiring. We should all enjoy her presence."

As for whether he could envision himself playing into his 40s like Williams, the 24-time major champion says there are factors to consider beyond his physical health.

"I don't want to be missing out on different events of close family members," he explains. "I've lived an incredibly fulfilling, successful professional life. In a sense, you have to be kind of selfish as an individual athlete to be pursuing your career, and everyone else is supportive of you."

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After more than two decades on tour, Djokovic has grown used to persistent questions about his retirement — though he admits he does get "annoyed" by the frequency.

"I do understand that people would like to know exactly when the moment is coming, but I don't know it yet myself," he says. "I'd like to play till Olympics '28, which is in two years. But let's see."

Notoriously private off the court, the athlete gives a rare look into his inner world in The Wolf in Winter. The 90-minute documentary chronicles his life from growing up in war-torn Yugoslavia in the '90s to becoming one of the greatest tennis players in history.

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Djokovic hopes that viewers can connect to the "universal values" portrayed in his journey: "Resilience, perseverance, family, teamwork, dedication and belief in yourself when others don't."

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Djokovic returns to the US Open in New York City for another bid at a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title. He will face Mariano Navone in the first round. Meanwhile, Williams received a wild card to play women's doubles with her sister Venus.

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