Novak Djokovic has come to the defence of Serena Williams following her first-round defeat at Wimbledon, urging fans and critics to temper their expectations and appreciate her return to the sport.
Djokovic's Call for Understanding
Djokovic, a 24-time grand slam champion who now plays sparingly at age 39, knows what it means to live up to lofty expectations. He offered a unique perspective on Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon singles champion who lost 6-3 6-7 (8-6) 6-3 to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint in her first singles match in nearly four years.
“People always expect you to play at your best because they’re used to seeing you dominate the sport for many years,” Djokovic said. “She’s 44. She has two children. Coming back, it’s normal that she still is not at her best in terms of movement. She hasn’t played a match in so many years. People need to cool off a little bit with judgement and criticism and everything. Let’s just enjoy the greatness, who she is, what she represents to the sport.”
Williams' Performance and Criticism
Despite the loss, Williams showed flashes of her former brilliance, cranking out serves faster than 120 mph and dictating points with heavy groundstrokes. However, movement proved an issue, and the 87th-ranked Joint capitalised by hitting beyond Williams' reach on key points.
After the match, Williams faced criticism for not fronting the media, a lukewarm handshake with Joint, and doubts over a fresh injury that later emerged as a tweaked right knee. She has indicated she may still play doubles with sister Venus.
Djokovic's Support and Challenge
“Her wanting to give it a try and just come back is an incredible gift for our sport,” Djokovic said. “I think people sometimes - I don’t know why - they don’t appreciate that enough. They just start to speculate, judge or whatever. It’s like, ‘Hey, guys, enjoy. You have the greatest ever to come play for you, to bring more attention to your sport.’ I really support Serena. Always have. Hopefully she’s going to play more.”
Williams received wild card invitations for both singles and doubles at Wimbledon. She announced on Wednesday that she tweaked her right knee toward the end of the first set against Joint. She still hopes to play doubles, but the Williams sisters' opener against Colombia's Camila Osorio and Argentina's Solana Sierra was the only remaining first-round match not scheduled for Friday, with a possible Saturday slot.
Djokovic Eyes US Open Return for Williams
At last year's US Open, Djokovic publicly challenged Serena to return. “When somebody challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena: Come back on the tour next year,” Djokovic said in 2025. Now, he wants to see her at this year's US Open.
“I hope for the sake of tennis and all of us that we be able to see her more,” Djokovic said. “I assume that US Open is somewhere where she would like to play. Playing in her home slam would be amazing for her and for everyone else. What she’s doing is incredible. Epic. I’ve always been a fan of Serena. I’m sure she wanted and expected to at least win one match or more. Knowing how competitive she is, the mind of a champion that she has, she’s not happy with just showing up on the court. She wants to win.”
