Serena Williams made a highly anticipated return to Wimbledon on Tuesday, stepping onto Centre Court for her first singles match since the 2022 US Open. But the 44-year-old legend's comeback didn't go as planned, and her post-match behavior has drawn sharp criticism from tennis fans.
Williams fell to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint in a three-set battle, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Despite entering the match with only three singles victories this season, Joint managed to outlast the 23-time Grand Slam champion, fighting through nerves and a shaky start.
“I didn’t get much sleep last night, I was up until 2 a.m. just thinking about it,” Joint said. “Walking out I forgot the warmup. I don’t know what happened. My legs weren’t moving. I really don’t know how I got a pretty good start at the match. I mean she has such an aura.”
After the match, Williams opted to skip her mandatory media availability at the All England Club. Instead, she issued a brief statement through the tournament: “It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”
That move didn't sit well with fans online. Social media erupted with criticism, accusing Williams of being a sore loser and disrespecting the media who covered her return.
“Getting THAT much coverage just to miss the press is WILD on so many levels,” one fan wrote.
“This is the part of Serena that frustrates me,” another added.
“Pushing 50 and still being a sore loser is crazy,” a critic commented.
“Classy as ever,” another user replied sarcastically.
“This is terrible from Serena,” a social media user declared.
The backlash comes amid broader scrutiny of Williams's behavior, with some pointing to John McEnroe's controversial commentary during the match as adding fuel to the fire. The tennis icon's decision to dodge the press has reignited debates about her sportsmanship.
As for what's next, Williams hasn't announced her plans for the rest of the WTA season. She could potentially compete in Cincinnati as a tune-up for the US Open. If she builds on her Wimbledon performance, she could become the oldest player to win a major singles match since Martina Navratilova (47) in 2004.
Fans will get another chance to see Williams on Thursday when she teams up with sister Venus for a doubles match against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra. Whether she'll face the media after that match remains to be seen.
