Novak Djokovic Responds to the Heartwarming Hall of Fame Speeches by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova

Novak Djokovic beat 19-year-old Learner Tien in straight sets to reach the second round of the US Open.

Novak Djokovic Responds to the Heartwarming Hall of Fame Speeches by Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova

Novak Djokovic, Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams (via X/Jose Morgado/Sports Center)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Novak Djokovic has described Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova’s iconic Hall of Fame moment as wonderful. The former World No.1 made the statement after beating American teenager Learner Tien in straight sets to reach the second round of the US Open, where he aims to win his 25th Grand Slam.

Williams and Sharapova were known for their fierce rivalry on the court as they dominated the women’s circuit for over a decade. The two reached their peak almost at the same time and were rivals from 1999 until 2017. However, Sharapova retired from professional tennis in February 2020, marking an end to her illustrious career.

She won five Grand Slams, including a Career Grand Slam as she won the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open. She also spent 21 weeks as World No.1 becoming the first Russian woman to reach that pinnacle. Meanwhile, Williams ended her career at the 2022 US Open, having won 23 Grand Slam titles.

Both players were frosty during their matches, but since quitting the sport they have become close friends. Each time they bump into one another at an event, they take pictures together and post them on social media. Recently, they took their friendship to a high level as Williams gave a resounding speech during Sharapova’s International Hall of Fame induction.

Sharapova turned emotional during Williams’ speech at the event. Djokovic was asked about it during his post-match press conference at the US Open. He revealed that both had similar characteristics during their professional days and that their rivalry was intense and incredible:

It was a surprising but very nice gesture from Serena to be there for Maria. They had a very intense rivalry and incredible battles over the years. People thought they were very different, but in reality, they were very similar: they wanted the same thing and competed on the same circuit for so many years.

Nonetheless, Djokovic labored to earn his first win since the Wimbledon Championship as he defeated Tien 6-1, 7-6(3), 6-2 in New York. The Serbian legend struggled with footwork and balance, while battling with blisters. He hit 20 unforced errors in the second set alone, but still made it past the 19-year-old to secure his place in the second round.

Novak Djokovic challenges Serena Williams to return to the tour next year

Serena Williams has not played a competitive match since retiring from tennis at the 2022 US Open. The former World No.1 lost to Ajla Tomlijanovic 7-5, 6(4)-7, 6-1 in the third round of the Grand Slam tournament in New York. Since then, she has focused her attention on running her business ventures and her family.

Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams (via X/The Tennis Letter/Wimbledon)
Novak Djokovic and Serena Williams (via X/The Tennis Letter/Wimbledon)

Recently, she revealed that she lost 31lbs using a GLP-1 drug to assist with weight loss. However, after Novak Djokovic hailed her and Maria Sharapova, he revealed that he hopes to see her comeback to the tour. He added that he challenges her to return to the court next year:

And, of course, seeing Serena, you know, in any shape or form around tennis is great. You know, we miss her. And she still hasn’t officially retired, so I invite her. I challenge her because she’s such a great competitor. So when somebody challenges her, she never refuses. So I challenge Serena. Come back on a Tour next year.

Williams turned 44 in July, and her sister Venus Williams, who is 45 will be playing at the US Open. It will be her first Grand Slam tournament in two years.

She is set to play against the 11th seed Karolina Muchova in the first round on Monday (August 25). Venus Williams made her return to tour at the Washington Open after over a year and won her opening match against fellow compatriot Peyton Stearns.