'Just Enjoy the Greatness': Novak Djokovic Rallies Behind Serena Williams

The seven-time Wimbledon champion said Serena Williams' comeback should be celebrated rather than criticised after her first-round exit.

Novak Djokovic has come out strongly in support of Serena Williams following her first-round defeat at Wimbledon, urging fans to appreciate the tennis icon's return instead of judging her performances.

Speaking after his straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, the seven-time Wimbledon champion described Williams' comeback as "epic" and said the sport should celebrate having one of its greatest-ever players back on court.

Djokovic: 'What Serena Williams is doing is incredible'

Williams, 44, returned to Wimbledon after years away from competitive tennis, but her comeback ended with a first-round exit.

Despite the defeat, Djokovic believes the result should not

overshadow the significance of her return.

"What she's doing is incredible, it's epic. I've always been a fan of Serena. "

The Serbian acknowledged that Williams' competitive nature means she is not content with simply participating.

"Knowing how competitive she is, with the mind of a champion, she's not happy just showing up. She wants to win. "

'People need to cool off'

Djokovic also defended Williams against criticism following her defeat, pointing to the challenges of returning to elite-level tennis after such a long absence.

"She's 44, she has two children, and she hasn't played a match in so many years. It's normal that she's still not at her best in terms of movement. People need to cool off a little with the judgment and the criticism. "

He added that fans have become accustomed to seeing Williams dominate the sport for nearly two decades, making expectations unrealistically high.

"People are used to seeing us at our best because they've watched us dominate the sport for so many years. "

'Just enjoy the greatness'

Djokovic urged tennis fans to look beyond the scoreboard and appreciate what Williams continues to bring to the game.

"Just enjoy the greatness of who she is and what she represents to the sport. You have the greatest ever coming to play, bringing more attention to your sport. I don't understand that kind of thinking and judgment. "

Calling her return "an incredible gift for our sport," Djokovic said the focus should be on celebrating one of tennis' all-time greats rather than scrutinising every result.

Novak Djokovic hopes Serena Williams returns for US Open

Having watched part of Williams' Wimbledon match, Djokovic also expressed hope that the 23-time Grand Slam champion continues her comeback later this season.

While he admitted nobody knows what Williams' plans are, he believes a return at the US Open would be special.

"Nobody really knows what's going to happen. Playing at home would be amazing, for her and for everyone else. "

Djokovic concluded with a heartfelt message of support.

"I really support Serena, always have, and hopefully she's going to play more. "