Serena Williams Receives Support From Jelena Dokic After Recent Backlash

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Vivek Devane | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 6:21 PM ET

Serena Williams has found herself at the center of a heated debate after recently revealing she lost 31 pounds with the help of the GLP-1 drug Zepbound. While some praised the 23-time Grand Slam champion for her transformation, others criticized her for promoting a medication that has been linked to potentially dangerous side effects.

Critics argue that Williams, with her massive global following, has a responsibility not to endorse products that may pose risks to unsuspecting fans. Concerns were further amplified by the fact that her husband, Alexis Ohanian, is reportedly a major investor in the drug. Crtics questioned whether her public support was influenced by financial interests.

Amid the backlash, former Australian tennis star Jelena Dokic came to Williams’ defense. In a recent interview, the former World No. 4 — who has openly shared her own struggles with abuse, trauma, and body shaming — stressed that people should not be so quick to judge others for their health choices.

“You mentioned Serena as well, and the news that's come out about her and using the GOP, is that? What it's called GLP one?”, said Dokic. “Yeah, and again, I think that she's—some people are praising her, and there's still a lot of judgment as well, which, again, that's where we get to say—look if something works for someone, and it's really changed their life, and especially if it's transformed their health, and they feel like it's something for them, I don’t—yeah, I don’t think that people should be judgmental about that,” Dokic added.

For Williams, the revelation was framed as a personal journey toward better health, but the conversation has quickly expanded into a broader debate over celebrity influence, medical responsibility, and the fine line between advocacy and promotion.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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