"Think about Serena Williams doing the same thing" - Andrea Petkovic highlights double standards after Novak Djokovic's truncated 2024 season
Former tennis pro Andrea Petkovic shed light on Novak Djokovic's less-than-stellar 2024 season, drawing comparisons to how everyone might have reacted if Serena Williams were in a similar position. Petkovic argued that the media wouldn't have been as forgiving towards Williams as they have been towards Djokovic.
2024 has been one of Djokovic's least successful years in his storied career, as he failed to win any ATP titles or Grand Slams. However, he did achieve an important milestone by winning a singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics, completing his resume.
The 24-time Major champion competed in only nine tournaments, reaching two finals and three semifinals. Despite that, he still qualified for the ATP Finals but opted to withdraw and end his season early.
During an appearance on the latest episode of The Rennae Stubbs Tennis Podcast, Petkovic said (at 17:10):
"Just to think about Serena [Williams] doing the same thing, only 12 events. Imagine, put yourself in the same situation, Serena only playing 12 events, not winning a title for the first time and forever and winning the gold medal but it doesn't count into the ranking points of the ATP Tour and she makes to WTA Finals. What do you think the media would say?"
Stubbs added:
"They would be losing their mind."
Petkovic continued:
"They would call out women's tennis, 'How can Serena make it?' and so on. So that's all I am saying."
Novak Djokovic set to start 2025 with former rival Andy Murray as his coach
Novak Djokovic ended his successful partnership with longtime coach Goran Ivanisevic in March of this year. Since then, both have moved on to new ventures, with Ivanisevic now working with Elena Rybakina, while Djokovic has appointed his former rival Andy Murray as his new coach.
On November 24, Djokovic made the surprising announcement via his social media, revealing that he and Murray would be joining forces. The Brit will assist the Serb with his pre-season training in preparation for the 2025 Australian Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion said in the video:
"I thought our story may be over, but turns out there was one final chapter. It is time for one of my toughest opponents to step into my corner, welcome on board, Coach Andy Murray."