Novak Djokovic has leapt to the defence of Serena Williams, saying critics should "just enjoy greatness" following her return to the court at Wimbledon. 

Williams, a seven-time champion at the All England Club, was handed a wild card for this year's tournament as she made her first appearance at Wimbledon since 2022. 

The 44-year-old was pitted against rising star Maya Joint in the first round and was beaten 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 in her first singles match since the US Open four years ago. 

During the match, Williams showed she had the ability to keep up with her opponent, despite 24 years and 202 days in age difference between the two players. 

After her defeat, the 23-time grand slam champion was criticised in some quarters, though Djokovic said people need to "cool off" when judging Williams. 

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

Serena Williams back on Centre Court in 2026. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/VkaI8qbzmD

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2026

Williams announced on Wednesday that she injured her right knee towards the end of the first set against Joint, but she remains hopeful of recovering in time for the doubles. 

She is set to partner her sister, Venus, against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra in the first round. 

Djokovic, meanwhile, is preparing for a clash with Arthur Rinderknech in round three, as he continues to hunt for that elusive record-breaking 25th grand slam title.

The Serbian, also a seven-time winner at Wimbledon, has beaten Yibing Wu and Stefanos Tsitsipas, the latter victory coming 24 hours after watching Williams' comeback. 

At last year's US Open, Djokovic challenged Williams to return, and he wants to see her play at her home grand slam later this year.

"I hope, for the sake of tennis and all of us, that we will be able to see her more," Djokovic said. "I assume that the 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."