What does Serena Williams’ future hold? What about Roger Federer’s? Will either return to top form?

On Monday, July 11, for the first time since 1997, Serena Williams and Roger Federer will both be unranked in the WTA and ATP rankings.

This was slated to happen long before Williams’ early exit at Wimbledon — because of the decision not to award ranking points at the tournament. But it doesn’t make it any less jarring. Are we witnessing the end of an era? Or are these two greats gearing up for a monumental return? We asked our panel of experts.

What stood out to you from Serena Williams’ appearances at Wimbledon and Eastbourne? What do you think it means for her future?

Pam Shriver: What stood out in her three comeback matches was her passion and love for competing. Obviously rusty and not in peak fitness from 12 months off at 40 years of age, the one constant for Williams is her willingness to fight for every point — singles, doubles, mixed or tiddlywinks. Williams looked like she did not have enough time to prepare properly for Wimbledon, but maybe the taste of the crowd’s enthusiasm for her comeback will fuel her to gain improved fitness leading into the US Open. It’s hard to imagine Williams will play past the US Open of 2022.

Luke Jensen: My evaluation was a player without a match experience over the last year. The elements are present, but nothing can replace pressure situations on the match court. Billie Jean King stresses “Champions adjust.” I believe Serena will play more events in singles leading into a New York City campaign.

Brad Gilbert: Williams needs more matches and tournaments this summer if she wants to be in better position for the US Open. It will be difficult to play very little and be at the mercy of the draw, ranked low, to make deep runs, I think. I know to never underestimate her greatness and ability to get way better quickly, though.

Rennae Stubbs: I think it was fantastic to see her back on court, entertaining everyone and letting everyone know how much she still loves this sport and competes to win. I think that her performance at Wimbledon was not surprising as it’s been a year since she’s played a match, but I suspect we will see her play through the US Open and hopefully with some success.

Alexandra Stevenson: Like Muhammad Ali, Williams is the greatest. After the match, she said this was the best she did for that day. She was not prepared to play a three-hour grass match. Harmony Tan‘s forehand slice dismantled Serena’s grass game — a game that had always brought her the “greatest” moniker.

Williams will be back. She will…