Novak Djokovic has once again found himself at the center of controversy, this time following his response to a loaded question about female tennis legends. During a recent press conference, Djokovic was asked whether he believes Aryna Sabalenka, the current No. 1 ranked player, or Serena Williams, widely considered one of the greatest of all time, holds the title of “female tennis legend” in today’s era.

When Djokovic was asked to compare the two, he hesitated before giving his answer. His response, intended to praise both players, instead ignited a wave of criticism. He said, “Aryna is an incredible player, no doubt about that, but if we’re talking about legends, Serena has set a bar so high, it’s almost impossible to compare. Aryna might be on her way, but Serena… Serena’s dominance is untouchable.”

While Djokovic’s remarks appeared to acknowledge Serena Williams’ legendary status, many took issue with his perceived dismissal of Sabalenka’s current achievements. Critics pointed out that the question set him up to potentially downplay Sabalenka’s recent successes, while others interpreted his comment as suggesting that Sabalenka could never reach Williams’ level.

The response has sparked a heated debate across social media, with fans of both Sabalenka and Williams weighing in. Supporters of Sabalenka argue that Djokovic’s comment diminishes the accomplishments of today’s rising stars, while fans of Williams praise him for recognizing the impact Serena has had on the sport.

One fan tweeted, “Why are we still comparing current players to legends of the past? Aryna is dominating now, and that deserves respect too.” Another added, “Djokovic is right, though—Serena’s legacy is unmatched, and Sabalenka has a long way to go before she’s even in the same conversation.”

Djokovic’s comment also sparked a broader discussion about the pressure placed on current athletes to live up to the legacies of past greats. Many feel that comparing Sabalenka to Serena Williams creates an unfair expectation for younger players who are still carving out their own paths in the sport.

Sabalenka, who has enjoyed a stellar 2023 season, including securing the No. 1 ranking, has yet to publicly respond to Djokovic’s remarks. Serena Williams, who retired from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open, remains a towering figure in the sport, with 23 Grand Slam titles and an unmatched career legacy.

Djokovic, himself a tennis legend with 24 Grand Slam titles, has often found himself navigating the complexities of comparing different eras in sports. His latest comments have inadvertently thrust him into a sensitive debate about gender, legacy, and respect for rising talent. While he may have been trying to honor both players, his remarks have shown just how delicate it is to discuss legendary status in an evolving sport.

As the debate rages on, the tennis world will continue to keep an eye on Djokovic’s words, and how both Sabalenka and Williams are viewed in the ever-changing landscape of the sport.