Serena Williams, 44, made a highly anticipated return to Wimbledon on Tuesday, marking her first singles match at the tournament in four years. Despite a spirited performance that included saving a match point, Williams was defeated in the first round by 20-year-old Maya Joint, the world No. 87, with a final score of 6-3, 6-7, 6-3.
Under the Centre Court roof, Williams, a seven-time champion at Wimbledon, competed against an opponent less than half her age. The match lasted two hours and 15 minutes, with Williams demonstrating resilience and skill, including winning the second set in a tiebreak after saving a match point.
"I didn't get much sleep last night," Joint said after the match. "I was up until 2am thinking about it. My legs weren't moving in the warm-up, she's such a legend, she has such an aura. I have been dreaming about this moment since I was a little kid."
Williams' previous Wimbledon appearance was in 2022, where she lost in the first round. Her motivation for this comeback was reportedly to achieve a more favorable ending to her career at the All England Club.
Williams had recently returned to competitive play in doubles at events in Queen's and Berlin, but her singles entry at Wimbledon raised the stakes significantly. She is the oldest woman to compete at a Grand Slam since Martina Navratilova, who played at 47 in 2004.
"It's a lot to put yourself out there. I wouldn’t do it, that sounds like torture!" commentator Tracey Austin remarked before the match.
Despite the defeat, the match was described as uplifting and thrilling, with Williams showing moments of her former dominance, particularly in fighting back from a break down twice in the second set. Her serve, which had shown some wobbles including seven double faults in the match, ultimately proved effective in the tiebreak, helping her save a match point.
The tournament has seen a notable absence of star power due to injuries and withdrawals, making Williams' return a significant draw. While a match against a top seed might have offered glamour, her encounter with Joint provided considerable intrigue.
Joint, who had been on an 11-match losing streak on tour prior to this match, managed to overcome the early nerves and the aura of her legendary opponent. Williams' movement was noted as a challenge, with rallies often developing beyond the initial strokes, leading to overhitting.
Williams broke serve early in the second set but conceded a crucial break back with double faults. The match eventually went to a tiebreak, which Williams won 8-6. In the deciding set, Williams broke early for a 2-1 lead, but Joint regrouped, utilizing her backhand effectively. Despite Joint double faulting on her second match point, she secured the victory.
Williams is expected to target the U.S. Open in September as a potential next step in her comeback tour.