Serena Williams’ return to Wimbledon was instantly iconic and watched by many.
That much is undeniable.
However, her conduct in the immediate aftermath of her first-round loss to Maya Joint has left a sour taste in the mouths of many, from the handshake to her absence from media duties.
For some, this is just a legendary figure exercising her well-earned right to do as she pleases.
For others, this is a flagrant disrespect of Wimbledon as a whole, after all they had done for her.
Serena Williams snubs her Wimbledon press conference
There’s no denying that Serena Williams’ return has sparked mass intrigue in The Championships.
After all, many tuned in just to see how the 44-year-old would fare after four years away from the sport, and admittedly, she more than held her own.
What do you think about Serena Williams’ behaviour at Wimbledon this year?
She skipped her post-match press conference and didn't have the warmest handshake with Maya Joint…
At one stage, the 23-time Grand Slam champion even seemed poised to secure her spot in round two, before she simply ran out of steam.
It has since been revealed that a knee injury was the reason behind snubbing her media duties, delivering only the following quote for the press: “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.”
Fans have justifiably criticised Serena for this behaviour, as felt like not just a disrespect to the fans and journalists who were waiting for her assessment, but the entire tournament. Her excuse is hard to deny, as she now faces a race to be fit for her doubles match with sister Venus Williams on Thursday.
However, there are still certain obligations that could and perhaps should have been fulfilled, or at the very least some transparency could have avoided this uproar altogether.
Why Serena Williams completely disrespected Wimbledon
To be given a main draw wildcard to a Grand Slam tournament is a privilege, no matter your station within the sport.
For youngsters, it can mark the destruction of a key barrier to entry that provides the necessary foundation to build a long and successful career.
Meanwhile, players who have suffered terrible injuries can gain the respite needed to alleviate a potential qualifying workload and maximise their chances at an event of such magnitude.
Stan Wawrinka played his last-ever Wimbledon match yesterday as well, in a clash with Matteo Berrettini that was far more enthralling than Serena’s loss to Joint.
And yet, despite getting remarkably far less coverage, he still spoke well on court and attended his press conference after, repaying his gratitude to Wimbledon rather than acting in a manner that suggested he felt owed this wildcard.
What did you make of Serena Williams’ level on her return to singles?
Serena Williams is OUT of the Wimbledon singles event…
Serena, despite all she has given to the sport, could have perhaps done with following in the Swiss superstar’s footsteps.
Not only does she get a huge financial boost by accepting this wildcard, but it is a prestigious spot, of which there are only eight to give out. The least the 44-year-old could have done was fulfil her obligatory media duties and provide the tournament with one last opportunity to capitalise on her fame.
