The Times of India at Wimbledon: Aorangi Park is always bustling in the days leading up to Wimbledon, but on Saturday, when temperatures soared to 30 degrees, it seemed that all camera lenses and pairs of eyes were on one person. Then, when she finally walked onto the court, 30 minutes past her scheduled practice time, the conversations stopped and phones went up in the air to capture the moment. The Queen of Central Court has just arrived on the grass.Serena up close is a mesmerizing sight, even for experienced eyes. Not a single feature stands out, but her very presence, an aura that overshadows the stage and everything around her.The 44-year-old, noticeably thinner than when she left tennis almost four years ago, has combined this comeback with attention to detail. On court, Serena starts slowly before quickly accelerating, like a well-tuned engine ready to start. Over the next eighty minutes, she showed her full range: forehand, backhand, one-handed slice, low volleys, skillful throws and a solid serve. The only thing missing was the trademark strength, which he may be saving for game day.On the court were her two coaches, Jarmere Jenkins, once her hitting partner, and Rennae Stubbs. Waiting in the wings were physiotherapist Federica Scalabrino, fitness trainer Derick Pierson and, watching from afar, her longtime agent Jill Smoller.It is not so much the cast of characters that is important, but what they signify. This return is no fad. Serena returned with an intention, perhaps for her children to watch her in full flight, but the rest of the tour was warned.Serena, the seven-time champion here, has not played a single match since the 2022 US Open. Now armed with a wildcard, she will open her campaign against Australia’s Maya Joint on Tuesday. If she beats the 20-year-old world number 53, she could next face popular Filipina Alexandra Eala, the 29th seed, with a possible third-round clash against defending champion Iga Swiatek looming ahead.The 23-time Grand Slam champion’s impact on the game goes far beyond scores or rankings. From her fearless shot selection and refusal to be swayed by outside voices, to her bold, statement fashion, she has shaped tennis at every level. Her presence reverberates throughout the sport in ways that can’t be described in numbers alone, but those numbers still reflect her dominance over every generation.World number one Aryna Sabalenka says Serena’s return has brought more eyes to the sport. “It’s Serena Williams, everyone’s talking about it,” she said.Novak Djokovic used the word “epic” to describe Serena’s effort. “Coming back after two children is extraordinary. I told her that what she does is truly inspiring to me personally and I’m sure to millions around the world,” he said, adding, “I see her in the gym more than when she was in her prime.”After the birth of her second daughter, Serena struggled to lose her pregnancy weight despite a healthy lifestyle. Last year, she revealed that she had lost 31 pounds while taking the GLP-1 weight loss drug. The post divided opinion among fans, but the 44-year-old simply did what she felt was right for her body.In many ways, her return to Wimbledon is less of a comeback and more of a continuation of a story that never quite 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.
