Imminent Serena comeback welcomed by Djokovic: 'It'll be great to have her back'

(Getty/Matthew Stockman)

Considered the greatest player ever to pick up a racquet, Novak Djokovic is looking forward to Serena Williams' likely return to professional tennis, lauding her as "one of the greatest athletes".

Rumours have swirled for months regarding Williams' comeback on the WTA Tour, having re-entered the doping testing pool six months ago.

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Despite consistently denying the reports, momentum continues to build amid a sensational return at age 44.

"I guess the sentiment is that she's coming back where and how; singles, doubles, we don't know," Djokovic told the press at Indian Wells.

"If I'm in her position, I would hide it too. But everybody's excited, and it's definitely something that is very highly anticipated, so let's see.

"I think she might maybe play a doubles tournament or two with Venus; that would be nice to see, just from my point of view and tennis fans for sure. "I mean, she's one of the greatest athletes, so it'll be great to have her back."

Williams, a 23-time major champion, is eligible to compete again after providing her whereabouts for one hour per day to the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) since October.

The American legend has posted multiple teaser videos on social media showing her practicing on court, with her latest hit out with fellow countrywoman Alycia Parks making the rounds on socials.

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