2021 French Open semifinalist Maria Sakkari was asked about Serena Williams' return to the sport, and she only had positive things to say about the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
The Greek No. 1 has managed many positive results this season. After starting her year with a fourth-round run at the Australian Open, she reached the final of the Saint Petersburg Open, losing a thrilling final 7-5, 6-7, 5-7.
Sakkari built on that momentum at her next two tournaments by making the semifinal in Doha and finishing as the runner-up to Maria Sakkari at the Indian Wells Open. Although her results have not been bad since she has not matched the heights of earlier in the season.
Although grass is not Sakkari's favorite surface, she had solid results in Nottingham and Berlin, making the quarterfinal and semifinal, respectively. That will make her hopeful of a bigger breakthrough at Wimbledon.
Sakkari, a seeded player at SW19, faces the added complication of facing Williams, who is unseeded after being out for a considerable period with an injury. Tennis fans eagerly await the draw at the year's third Grand Slam.
The 27-year-old addressed this point recently and openly admitted she wants to avoid the seven-time Wimbledon champion at the venue where she has enjoyed so much success.
"I'm sure that everyone wants to avoid her, especially if she wins a few matches. She will start feeling good about her game and she is Serena Williams. She is the greatest female athlete of all time."
Although Williams' return is a positive moment for tennis, Sakkari's desire to avoid her at Wimbledon is understandable. On her weakest surface, she would not fancy her chances if the former world No.1 hit her stride.
Williams is currently at the Eastbourne International, playing doubles alongside Ons Jabeur to build momentum ahead of Wimbledon next week.