ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith is a fan of both Venus Williams and Serena Williams. However, his tennis fandom does not extend to the discipline of doubles tennis as he is less than excited about the sisters playing doubles at the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.

Smith reacted on-air to the news of the Williams sisters playing Wimbledon together with a profanity-laced commentary on doubles tennis. Saying he does not “give a d#$n about doubles,” Smith wants Serena to come back to play singles. Despite being the undisputed GOAT of women’s tennis, he wants her return to be focused on winning Grand Slam singles titles with the possibility of passing Margaret Court’s record of 24. Serena has 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

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Is Stephen A. Smith’s opinion typical

Doubles tennis has gotten a bad rap over the years. However, tennis purists love to watch doubles. It is quick, strategic, and complex. These fans also know that at their peak, Venus Williams and Serena Williams were practically unbeatable in doubles. They never lost a Grand Slam final they played in together, amassing a mind-boggling 14-0 record.

In addition, the Williams sisters won three Olympic gold medals in doubles in 2000, 2008, and 2012.

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Serena’s return, in any form, is great for women’s tennis

Smith seemingly fails to understand how difficult and competitive doubles tennis is. He also presumably believes it is easy for a 44 year old mother of two to come back and compete in singles against women nearly half her age.

No matter how or what Serena does in her return to tennis, the overall winner is the sport. She brings an enthusiastic fanbase who loved her in her prime. Her immense talent is also being introduced to a new generation of fans privileged to watch her play live in 2026.