Novak Djokovic defends Serena Williams comeback from Wimbledon: Enjoy her greatness

Novak Djokovic has backed Serena Williams following her Wimbledon first-round exit, urging critics to stop judging the 44-year-old’s comeback and instead appreciate what her comeback means for the sport.

Speak after his outright victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas on Wednesday, the seven-time Wimbledon champion said Williams’ presence at the All England Club was far more significant than the result of a single match.

“What he’s doing is unbelievable, it’s epic,” Djokovic said. “I’ve always been a fan of Serena.

He recognized that a champion of Williams’ character would never be content to merely show up.

“Knowing how competitive she is, with the mind of a champion, she’s not happy to just show up,” he said. “He wants to win.

However, Djokovic disputed the criticism directed at him Williams after her defeat, highlighting the challenges of returning to the highest level after years away from competitive tennis.

“She’s 44, she’s got two kids and she hasn’t played a game in so many years,” he said. “It’s normal that he’s still not at his best in terms of movement. People need to cool their judgment and criticism a bit.”

Novak Djokovic on Serena Williams:

“People need to cool their judgment. Let’s enjoy her greatness and what she represents for tennis. We have the best women’s player back. This is a gift to our sport. I support her and hope she continues to play.”pic.twitter.com/C8EKWnTHei— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) July 1, 2026

The Serb said expectations remained unrealistically high as fans grew accustomed to Williams dominating the sport for nearly two decades.

“People are used to seeing us at our best because they’ve watched us dominate the sport for so many years,” he said.

Djokovic urged fans to look behind the scoreboard and recognize the significance of Williams’ comeback.

“Just enjoy the greatness of who he is and what he represents to the sport,” he said. “You have the best you could ever play to give more attention to your sport. I don’t understand that kind of reasoning and judgment.”

Djokovic called her comeback an “incredible gift to our sport” and said tennis should be celebrating rather than scrutinizing one of its greatest champions.

Djokovic, who watched part of Williams’ match, also expressed hope to continue her comeback later this season, with the US Open a likely target.

“Nobody really knows what’s going to happen,” he said. “Playing at home would be amazing, for her and for everyone else.

Djokovic ended with a heartfelt message of support for the 23-time Grand Slam champion.

“I really support Serena, I always have, and I hope she plays more.

– The end

Issued by:

Saurabh Kumar

Published on:

02 Jul 2026 09:26 IST