Jessica Pegula believes that Serena Williams will be returning to tennis in the near future.
Williams played her last match at the 2022 US Open, in what was believed to be her retirement at the time.
However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has since re-entered the drug testing pool, with speculation ramping up about Williams making a comeback to tennis.
This was only heightened after footage was released of Williams practicing with Alycia Parks, and now Pegula has predicted the tournament she thinks could see her return.
Jessica Pegula thinks Serena Williams could return at Wimbledon
When speaking to Access Hollywood ahead of Indian Wells, Pegula was asked if there has been a lot of discussion about Williams returning to tennis in the WTA locker room.
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“There has been,” responded Pegula. “No-one really knows. She’s keeping us on our toes, which isn’t a surprise because it’s Serena.
“I just saw a video, like yesterday, of her hitting, with another player and I kind of feel like she’s thinking about coming back.
“I kind of see her coming back maybe at like Wimbledon, because she’s like the Queen of Wimbledon, her and Venus [Williams].
“I could definitely see her maybe playing doubles with Venus, because Venus is still playing, and then I don’t know if she will play singles, but maybe working her way back to singles possibly, maybe more. Back in the US swing, leading up to the US Open?”
Williams was annoyed by her last Wimbledon appearance, where she lost in the first round to Harmony Tan, and could be attempting to avenge that defeat this year.
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What happened the one time Jessica Pegula played Serena Williams?
Despite playing on tour at the same time as each other for 10 years, Pegula and Williams only actually played each other once.
That match was actually in the final of the 2020 ASB Classic in Auckland, where Williams beat Pegula 6-3, 6-4.
This actually ended up being both the final title and final of Williams’ career, before she left the sport over two years later.
It now appears more and more likely that Williams could be planning a comeback to the WTA Tour, which increases the chance of another match with Pegula.
Before that is even a possibility, Pegula, who won the Dubai Tennis Championships at her last tournament, will look to continue her winning streak at Indian Wells.
Pegula will play her first match against either Tereza Valentova or Donna Vekic on Saturday, March 7.
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