Serena Williams’ singles comeback at Wimbledon was brief as 20-year-old Maya Joint recorded a 6-3, 6-7 (2), 6-3 triumph over the 44-year-old in a first-round match on Centre Court at the All England Club in London.
It was Williams’ first match at Wimbledon since losing to Harmony Tan of France in the first round in 2022.
The No. 87-ranked Joint, who was born in the United States and moved to Australia in 2023, had a 40-26 edge in winners and a 10-7 advantage in service aces.
Joint got the match-winning victory when Williams hit a return long. The handshake at the net was quick.
“I didn’t get much sleep last night,” Joint said of facing one of her idols. “I was up until like 2 a.m. thinking about it.
I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was a little kid, so this is pretty crazy.”
Williams receiving a rousing ovation while leaving the court.
Joint ended an 11-match losing streak by taking down Williams.
“My last couple matches have been pretty good,” Joint said. “I just took advantage of the moment, enjoyed it. Didn’t really think about the previous matches.”
Both players committed 37 unforced errors.
Williams said this week she intends to continue training with the intention of playing at the US Open.
–Field Level Media
