LONDON — Lindsey Vonn, the celebrated American skier who recently returned to competition after nearly six years away and a series of serious injuries, has expressed admiration for Serena Williams as the tennis star makes her own comeback at Wimbledon at age 44.

Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion and winner of 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Venus, played her first professional tennis match in almost four years earlier this month. She is slated to compete in both singles and doubles at Wimbledon, marking her return to top-level competition.

Vonn, who was the leading World Cup downhiller last season at age 41 before suffering a devastating crash at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in February that left her with a severely fractured left leg, understands the challenges Williams faces. The crash required eight surgeries and nearly led to her leg being amputated. Despite this, Vonn has resumed physical training with the goal of possibly returning to competition, although she still needs further operations to repair a torn ACL.

"There is an increasing shift in what women can accomplish at later stages in their careers or life," Vonn said. She noted that she and Williams are "in the same boat," competing at an elite level without the need to prove themselves to others. According to Vonn, Williams told her that her comeback journey served as inspiration for the tennis star’s return.

Vonn witnessed Williams’s recent doubles victory at Queen’s Club in London, where Williams and partner Victoria Mboko triumphed. Vonn described Williams’s mood as upbeat and focused on enjoyment. “She was in great spirits. She’s having fun which I loved seeing, even more than her tennis,” Vonn said. “If it’s bringing her joy to play, I say play as long as you want!”

Williams is scheduled to play her first singles match since 2022 against 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint on Centre Court. She will also join Venus Williams for doubles later in the tournament.

Vonn tempered expectations for Williams’s performance, emphasizing the significance of her return rather than immediate results. “It’s her first major singles tournament since retiring so I would expect for her to play well but not show all her cards yet,” Vonn commented. “I’m sure she can still win, but I wouldn’t put any expectations on her. She’s the GOAT no matter what happens.”

Williams echoed a similar sentiment about pursuing goals. Reflecting on her recent practice sessions at Wimbledon, she said, “It was kind of like riding a bike,” though she acknowledged potential challenges as she returns to competition. “You have to believe in yourself and go for any dream, no matter how wild it may be,” Williams added.

Vonn, who holds the record for the most World Cup downhill wins by any skier with 45 victories, returned to skiing in December 2024 with a partial titanium knee replacement. Last season she secured two wins and seven podium finishes, underscoring her resilience and determination to compete at the highest level despite significant obstacles.