Serena Williams' highly anticipated return to Wimbledon singles action ended in the first round on Tuesday, as she was defeated by world No. 87 Maya Joint. The loss marked Williams' first singles match since the 2022 U.S. Open.
Joint secured a 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 victory on Centre Court. Williams, 44, showed flashes of her former power, including a 121 mph serve in the first set, but ultimately could not overcome Joint's performance. Despite the crowd's energy, Joint appeared unfazed by the occasion.
Williams, who received a wild-card entry into the tournament, struggled early in the second set, falling behind 3-1. While she managed to force a tiebreak, Joint ultimately prevailed.
According to ESPN research, Tuesday was the first time since 2009 that Williams entered a Wimbledon match as the betting underdog. The last time she was not favored was in a match against her sister, Venus.
Serena Williams is scheduled to compete in the ladies' doubles bracket on Thursday with her sister, Venus. Venus Williams was in attendance to support her sister, as were Serena's husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their daughters, Olympia and Adira.