MELBOURNE, Australia: Novak Djokovic praised Serena Williams as one of the greatest athletes in history after a tough loss set back her bid to tie the all-time record for Grand Slam titles on Thursday.
Djokovic said Williams, who has been stuck on 23 major titles since 2017, needed to see the “larger picture” of her achievements following her defeat by Naomi Osaka at the Australian Open.
The 39-year-old’s Grand Slam tally is second only to the 24 held by Australia’s Margaret Court, including 13 won in the pre-1968 amateur era.
“I can empathize with Serena and what she’s going through,” Djokovic said.
“She’s such an amazing champion that inspires both male and female athletes around the world.”
He added: “But I think when you see a larger picture for her and everything that who she is, what she stands for on and off the court... she’s one of the greatest ever... athletes, not just tennis player.”
Williams looked stricken by her semifinal defeat by Naomi Osaka, and walked out of her press conference in tears after being asked if she had played her last Australian Open.
Djokovic, whose 17 Grand Slam titles place him just behind Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer’s jointly held record of 20, said he could “emphasise” with the American.
“When you’re chasing big things that are related to the history of the sport, obviously it has a lot of weight, a lot of pressure,” he said.
“And regardless of the amount of years that you have played on the tour and the experience that you have, you still feel it on your shoulders.”
“I’m just proud and honored to be playing at the same time she does and to see her greatness, experience her greatness is a thrill,” added the Serb.
Djokovic praises Serena Williams as ‘one of greatest athletes’
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Djokovic praises Serena Williams as ‘one of greatest athletes’
- Williams 23 major titles since 2017 is second only to the 24 held by Australia’s Margaret Court
- She looked stricken by her semifinal defeat by Naomi Osaka in the Australian Open
Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup 2027 dates confirmed
- After a record-breaking tournament in January, the competition returns next year from Jan. 8-10
ABU DHABI: The Manchester City Abu Dhabi Cup will return in 2027 following another record-breaking edition last month, and the registration window is now open.
From Jan. 8 to 10, 2027, teams from across the world will be able to compete in the eighth edition of the region’s Tournament of Choice.
The competition’s three-day format returns after a successful expansion this year that had more than 8,000 people attend Zayed Sports City across a weekend that featured 3,500 local, regional and international players.
In total, 244 teams from the under-8 to under-16 categories competed in the 2026 edition, with 86 international sides, spanning 18 countries, four continents, and a record-breaking 44 girl teams.
Off the pitch, players and spectators were able to enjoy the City Village that played host to entertainment and activations supported by the club’s partners.
This included the e& Gaming Zone, Puma pop-up and Aldar’s showcase of Fahid Island, as well as performances from a DJ and visits from special guests, including tournament ambassador and Manchester City legend Nedum Onuoha, and event host FG.
Teams will compete for the Abu Dhabi Cup, and individual age-group winners will go into a prize draw for their team to win a trip to a City Football Group club, where they will train and watch the first team in action.
Simon Hewitt, tournament director, and director of Football Operations MENA, said the 2026 edition was a “landmark event.”
“It was the first time we had expanded the tournament to three days, and the reaction to that decision was incredible. Players were able to spend more time on the pitch, take in the incredible atmosphere of the City Village, and enjoy the sights and attractions of Abu Dhabi.
“We might only be a month removed from that tournament, but the hard work in preparing for 2027 starts now. Already, teams are asking when they can register, and we expect huge competition for places from all over the world.”
