Whether she will is another question. There has been plenty of speculation over what capacity Serena could return in, if she even does. With her older sister, Venus, still going strong on the tour, many believe they could team up in doubles. And Djokovic seems convinced that it will happen.

Ahead of his opening match in Indian Wells this week, the world No. 3 was quizzed over Serena’s decision to re-enter the ITIA’s testing pool – a requirement for competitive players on the professional tours – and what it could mean. “She’s coming back,” he responded, with a smile on her face.

When asked whether that was the case, Djokovic added: “Is she coming back? Is that a question? I think she’s coming back. I don’t know. I haven’t spoken to her, but I guess the sentiment is that she’s coming back. Where and how, singles, doubles, we don’t know, and if I’m in her position, I would hide it too. Yeah, everybody is excited, and it’s definitely something that’s very highly anticipated. So, you know, let’s see.”

Although the Olympic champion hasn’t spoken with Serena, he appears clued up on a likely comeback plan. Djokovic was then asked whether Wimbledon would be a good date for the American’s return from retirement, and replied: “I pick that one as well as her comeback, but yeah, I don’t know.

“I think she might maybe play a doubles tournament or two with Venus. That would be nice to see, just from my point of view and tennis fans, for sure. Yeah, and she’s one of the greatest athletes, really. It would be great to have her back too.”

Venus has enlisted several doubles partners since she returned from a 16-month hiatus in Washington last summer. She’s played alongside the likes of Elina Svitolina, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Peyton Stearns.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion also reached the US Open quarter-finals with Leylah Fernandez last year. During their run, Venus revealed that Serena had been cheering them on at home and publicly asked her sister to turn out for one of their matches.

Venus is joining forces with Fernandez again in the women’s doubles draw at Indian Wells this week, so there will be no on-court reunion with Serena just yet. But if Djokovic’s predictions are anything to go by, the Williams sisters could get back on court together by Wimbledon.