Novak Djokovic Defends Serena Williams Amid Criticism After Wimbledon Loss in Her Return to Singles

Novak Djokovic defended Serena Williams from criticism after the 23-time major singles winner lost in her return to professional tennis at Wimbledon on Tuesday.

"People always expect you to play at your best because they're used to seeing you dominate the sport for many years," Djokovic said, per Andrew Dampf of The Associated Press.

"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 judgment and criticism and everything. Let's just enjoy the greatness, who she is, what she represents to the sport."

The 44-year-old Williams, who hadn't played singles since the 2022 U.S. Open, entered Wimbledon on a wild card. She played 20-year-old Maya Joint, listed No. 87 per WTA's latest rankings, in the first round.

Williams fought hard and pushed Joint to three sets but ultimately fell 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Outside of that match, she's only played two competitive matches this year outside Wimbledon, going 1-1 in doubles play. Naturally, there will be some rust to overcome as she continues her comeback. Williams also has to fight time as she competes with players less than half her age.

The fact that Williams is even out there competing hard is impressive enough after four years off. She's giving a tremendous effort with great odds stacked against her as she authors this comeback.

Djokovic, whose comments were on-point, continued his defense.

"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," Djokovic added.

Unfortunately, Williams revealed on Instagram that she suffered a tweaked knee late in the first set, leaving her doubles effort with Venus Williams in doubt.

The Williams sisters are currently scheduled to face Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round. Per Adam Zagoria of Forbes, that matchup is scheduled to occur on Saturday.