Wimbledon 2026 preview: Serena Williams, Jannik Sinner, Novak Djokovic

Williams brothers Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic returned to Wimbledon. What year again?

Mentioning these names might feel like we’re stuck in a time warp, but no, it’s 2026 and some of the sport’s best are returning to SW19 in one way or another.

American icon Serena Williams, 44, is making a blockbuster singles comeback after a four-year absence from the sport, while also continuing her iconic doubles pairing with sister Venus, 46.

England legend Murray returned to his greatest triumphs as part of Jack Draper’s coaching team.

Djokovic, meanwhile, is still chasing an elusive record 25th Grand Slam title despite being just a week younger than the 39-year-old Murray.

Venus Williams, who won five singles titles and six doubles titles at the All England Club, said, “It’s very special to be here; we have a deep-rooted history here. It’s nice to be back in 2026.”

Wimbledon, one of the highlights of the British sporting summer, never goes unnoticed, but the former guard’s presence will help boost the grass-court Grand Slam in a summer packed with sporting events.

Eyeballs inevitably focus on the men’s football World Cup, especially with England still in the competition, while women’s T20 cricket’s World Cup and British Grand Prix also remain in the spotlight.

The emergence of legends – young superstars such as Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, as well as high-profile Brits Draper and Emma Raducanu – will ensure Wimbledon remains in the spotlight.

Wimbledon tournament director Jamie Baker told the BBC World Service: “We’re always incredibly excited to be part of an exciting summer of sport.”

“There are always other big events every summer and I think it adds to the excitement of the sport in general. We really love being a part of it.”