There was no participation from tennis legend Serena Williams during a post-match press conference following defeat Tuesday in Wimbledon’s first round, which marked a singles return for the 44-year-old. The move got her heavily criticized on social media
Williams’ loss came in what was considered an easy first-round draw as she faced off against Australian player Maya Joint, who recently returned from an injury and has no tournament ranking.
In a statement, Wimbledon said that Williams “unfortunately will not be able to undertake media this evening,” and then transitioned to direct quotes from the tennis icon. (RELATED: South Korean World Cup Team Hammered With Boos, Protests By Own Fans In One Hell Of A Homecoming)
“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon,” said Williams in her statement. “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.”
Maya Joint takes down Serena Williams in three sets in the legend’s return to Wimbledon‼️ pic.twitter.com/fOnON4NkRX
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2026
Jill Smoller, the agent of Williams, would go on to explain that her client was issued an excuse from talking to the media because of an injury that she suffered.
“Serena tweaked her knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams,” said Smoller in a statement to British newspaper The Times.
“She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match.”
According to the Wednesday morning report from The Times, Williams‘ injury was to her right knee and she suffered it in the match against Joint. As a result, she is doubtful for the upcoming doubles match that she has with Venus Williams, her sister.