Serena Williams’ long-awaited return to Wimbledon singles ended in a first-round defeat on Tuesday as Australia’s Maya Joint beat the American 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3 in a dramatic Centre Court contest.
The 44-year-old, playing her first Wimbledon singles match in four years, pushed Joint to a deciding set after saving two match points in the second-set tie-break. However, the 20-year-old Australian recovered from a break down in the final set to end Williams’ comeback bid after two hours and 22 minutes.
Emotional return
Williams received a warm reception as she returned to the court where she won seven Wimbledon singles titles and six women’s doubles crowns.
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The American had not played singles at the All England Club since her first-round defeat to Harmony Tan in 2022, a match widely believed to have marked the end of her Wimbledon career.
Her return came 1,462 days after her last singles appearance at the tournament.
Joint withstands Williams’ fightback
Joint made the brighter start, taking the opening set 6-3 before Williams produced one of her trademark comebacks.
The American saved two match points in the second-set tie-break to level the contest and briefly raised hopes of a remarkable victory when she broke serve early in the deciding set.
But Joint responded strongly, winning the final three games to seal victory and end Williams’ singles campaign.
Historic appearance
Williams became the second-oldest woman to compete in the Wimbledon singles draw during the Open Era, behind only Martina Navratilova, who reached the second round at the age of 47 in 2004.
Despite the defeat, Williams showed flashes of the resilience that defined her career, forcing her younger opponent to work hard for the win.
Doubles campaign continues
Although her singles comeback has ended, Williams’ Wimbledon campaign is not over.
She is due to compete in the women’s doubles alongside her sister, Venus Williams, as the legendary siblings reunite at the tournament once again.
