The tennis world is buzzing with nostalgia and hope after Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, expressed her longing for Serena Williams to emerge from retirement and grace the courts once more. Speaking at a press conference following her first-round victory at the Washington DC Open on July 23, 2025, Osaka’s comments have reignited dreams of seeing the 23-time Grand Slam winner return to competitive tennis. As the sport continues to evolve, Osaka’s admiration for the Williams sisters, particularly Serena, underscores the enduring impact of their legacy, while her own journey back to the top adds a poignant layer to her words.
Osaka’s remarks came in the wake of Venus Williams’s inspiring return to the WTA Tour at age 45, where she defeated Peyton Stearns in straight sets at the same Washington DC event. Reflecting on Venus’s performance, Osaka couldn’t hide her awe, describing her as carrying a “royal air” and calling her “the queen.” The Japanese star, who has been open about idolizing the Williams sisters since childhood, admitted to feeling like a starstruck kid whenever she sees Venus or Serena. “I feel like whenever I see her or Serena, the kid in me comes out, because they were my favorite players to watch,” she shared, her voice tinged with reverence. Her excitement was palpable as she confessed to rushing off to watch Venus’s next match, saying, “I’m probably going to go watch that.”
The conversation naturally turned to Serena, who retired after an emotional third-round loss at the 2022 US Open, marking the end of a storied career that spanned nearly three decades. At 43, Serena has embraced motherhood and her business ventures, but Osaka remains hopeful for a comeback. “I mean, for me, it’s everything, you know. I’m grateful that they played so long, and they’re continuing — maybe Serena is coming back, I don’t know, fingers crossed,” Osaka said, her optimism sparking excitement among fans. Her words reflect a deep admiration for Serena’s transformative influence on tennis, a sentiment she’s echoed before. “I wouldn’t be here without Serena, Venus, you know, her whole family,” she noted in 2022, crediting the sisters for inspiring her career and introducing new audiences to the sport.
Osaka and Serena’s history is intertwined with iconic moments, none more memorable than their 2018 US Open final, where Osaka, then 20, clinched her first Grand Slam title in a 6-2, 6-4 victory. The match, overshadowed by Serena’s heated exchange with the umpire, left Osaka in tears amid boos from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, a moment that still resonates. Despite the controversy, Osaka’s respect for Serena never wavered. Their rivalry, with Osaka leading 3-1 in their four meetings, including a straight-sets win in the 2021 Australian Open semifinals, showcased her ability to challenge her idol. “I think that her legacy is really wide to the point where you can’t even describe it in words,” Osaka said in 2022, praising Serena’s role in making tennis a global phenomenon.
Osaka’s own journey mirrors the challenges Serena faced later in her career. After taking maternity leave in 2023 and returning in 2024, Osaka has battled injuries and inconsistent form, with a first-round loss to Paula Badosa at the 2025 French Open highlighting her struggles. Yet, her performance in Washington DC, where she’s rediscovering her rhythm, shows her resilience. “I also just think I’ve trained so hard after giving birth that I need to enjoy these moments,” she said, drawing inspiration from Serena’s longevity and ability to compete at an elite level into her 40s.
The possibility of Serena’s return, though speculative, is tantalizing. Recent sightings of her practicing with Venus in Washington DC have fueled rumors, and Osaka’s comments only amplify the anticipation. At 43, Serena believes she could still compete, as she noted in April 2025: “I could still play on the tour today and be competitive.” However, her focus on raising her two daughters and growing her business empire has kept her off the court. “I’m thoroughly enjoying being a mother, and this is now the biggest passion and joy in life over tennis,” she said, reflecting on her new priorities.
For Osaka, the Williams sisters remain a guiding light. “They’re my mothers. They’re the queens,” she declared, emphasizing their role as trailblazers. As she prepares for the US Open, where she’s a two-time champion, Osaka’s hope for Serena’s return resonates with fans who yearn for one more chapter from the sport’s greatest icon. Whether Serena answers the call remains uncertain, but Osaka’s heartfelt plea has ensured that the dream of seeing her back on court burns brighter than ever.
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