“Between Me and Novak Djokovic”: Serena Williams Reluctant to Reveal Thoughts on New Players’ Association

Novak Djokovic sparked a lot of interest in his new players’ association earlier on the weekend. He said that he and association co-founder Vasek Pospisil spoke to the likes of Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens regarding their participation. He also spoke about the participation of other WTA stars in the new association.

Djokovic also revealed past details and future plans of the association. However, Serena Williams was tight-lipped when asked about the conversation between Djokovic and herself. The 23-time Grand Slam champion expressed that her only focus is the US Open 2020.

US Open 2020 – the sole focus for Serena Williams

“Well, yeah, we spoke a little bit right before. Like a day before, day of the tournament. And that was between me and him,” Williams said after her third-round win over Stephens herself at US Open 2020. “ And right now I’m really focused on the US Open and nothing else I can think about right now,” the third seed added.

The interviewer pressed her a little bit more to reveal at least some details of her potential association with the association. However, Williams maintained her stance. “Well, I’m very good at holding my tongue. And right now, like I said, I’m really focused on the tournament. My conversation was between me and Novak,” she said further.

Novak Djokovic’s chats with WTA stars

Earlier, Djokovic revealed plans to speak to other WTA stars as well to associate with the new organization. “I’ve spoken to Serena about three days ago. Also to Sloane. Vasek has spoken to Sloane,” Djokovic said. “There are conversations happening between us. I’m going to reach out to more female tennis players,” he added.

Andy Murray first raised the need for the involvement of female players in the new association. However, Djokovic said that he and Pospisil initiated talks for WTA representation last year itself.

On Saturday, Serena Williams survived a tough battle against Sloane Stephens. Stephens dominated the match at 6-2, 2-2, and had break-points. However, Williams recovered quickly and won 10 of the last 12 games to seal the match 2-6, 6-2, 6-2. She will face Maria Sakkari in the fourth round. Sakkari defeated Williams at the Western and Southern Open last week.