Tennis fans around the world just witnessed a day they thought they would never see again. Serena Williams back on Centre Court. Despite the first-round exit, it was a special moment, and Williams herself believes it to be the same.

The 44-year-old lost against Australia's Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3. While the result ended her singles comeback after nearly four years away from the tour, it offered her daughter Olympia a brief look at the level the greatest women's tennis player operated.

Williams, who previously admitted that her daughter had a role to play in her inspiring return to the All England Club, took to Instagram to shower credit on her children for her return, while also revealing an important injury update.

"It felt so good to be back on the grass at @wimbledon. I’m incredibly thankful for the wild card - and even more grateful my daughters got to see that it’s never too late to chase something you love." Williams wrote.

"I tweaked my knee late in the first set, but I’ll be doing everything I can to be ready for doubles with @venuswilliams," she added.

Following this defeat, the seven-time singles champion is expected to take her talents to the doubles event, as she rejoins sister Venus Williams for a match against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round.

However, Williams' agent Jill Smoller has also revealed that her absence from the post-match media availability was because her right knee is tweaked and she is doing everything in her power to return to the court later this week.

Williams, who has faced criticism throughout her career, received it one more time after her loss against Joint. And out of everyone, Novak Djokovic has stepped up to reject any harsh comments.

Novak Djokovic Rejects Harsh Criticism of Serena Williams After Wimbledon Loss

While many were in support of Serena after her inspiring comeback to Centre Court as a wild card, there were some who thought it was not a good idea.

Moreover, she also had to endure criticism for her decision to skip the customary post-match press conference. Djokovic, who just beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in the second round, had nothing but praise for Williams’ comeback and expressed his hope that she keeps competing on tour.

“People need to cool off a little bit with the judgment and the criticism and everything. Let’s just enjoy the greatness and who she is and what she represents to the sport. Her wanting to give it a try and just come back, it’s an incredible gift for our sport,” Djokovic said.

The comments are even sweeter for Serena coming from the Serbian, who is still competing at the top level at the age of 39.

“I don’t know why they don’t appreciate that enough. They just start to speculate, judge, or whatever. Hey guys, enjoy. You have the greatest ever coming to play for you, to bring more attention to your sport.” He added.

Only time will tell if Serena is fit enough to join her sister on the court again, but with her peers on her side, there is no doubt the 44-year-old already has the motivation to go right back to business.

So, do you think Serena Williams will shut down the critics once again at this moment in her career? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy