Serena Williams sat down with BBC’s Clare Balding ahead of her Wimbledon 2026 comeback, with the seven-time champion making clear one question was strictly off the table
17:23, 30 Jun 2026Updated 17:23, 30 Jun 2026
Serena Williams laid down the law in an interview with the BBC’s Clare Balding ahead of her Wimbledon comeback(Image: BBC Sport)
BBC Wimbledon presenter Clare Balding was forced to avoid one specific question that was strictly off the table during her sit-down interview with Serena Williams. Ahead of the seven-time singles champion’s remarkable return to SW19 at the age of 44, almost four years after stepping away from tennis, she joined the Beeb to discuss the momentous occasion.
The wide-ranging conversation touched on Williams’ life away from the sport, the motivation behind her comeback and precisely what she anticipates when she faces Maya Joint on Tuesday. As the interview drew to a close, Balding made a point of flagging one particular question she had deliberately avoided.
“And I am not going to ask you anything about your opponent, because…” Williams then swiftly interjected, saying: “You remember that.”
Balding responded: “I remember that. It’s all about you, and it’s going to be great.”
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Balding expressed her gratitude to Williams for her time before the pair wrapped up their chat. But the BBC cameras continued to roll as the American removed her microphone and paused to take selfies with fans nearby before heading off.
The presenter opened the interview by asking Williams whether she felt any “butterflies” upon returning to the venue of so many legendary victories. Williams has won seven titles at SW19 to date, making it her joint-most successful Grand Slam.
Williams admitted she hadn’t yet felt those nerves ahead of her comeback, which has been criticised by some. However, she anticipated they would surface once she stepped out onto Centre Court to face her world No. 87 opponent.
Balding then enquired what Williams in 2026 possesses that earlier versions of herself did not, to which she responded: “Well, I have two amazing kids. I think that’s the best thing I have right now that I didn’t have then.
Williams appreciated Balding remembering her interview preference(Image: BBC)
“I definitely have a lot of experience on my side and I have a lot of championships, where I don’t feel the pressure to do anything except for have fun and enjoy myself and enjoy the moment.”
When questioned whether this renewed confidence had made her “free” on the court, Williams dismissed the notion and said: “I don’t know, I think so.
“I’m never a free person in general. You’ve seen me play, I play like a maniac. So we will see. As of now I am calm, but I might change in a matter of minutes, who knows?”
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