Serena Williams will face Australia’s Maya Joint in the Wimbledon first round after being handed a wildcard, marking her return to singles at the All England Club following a four-year absence.
The 23-time Grand Slam champion stepped away from the sport in 2022 but has eased back into competition this month, featuring in doubles at the Queen’s Club Championships and the Berlin Open.
Now 44, Williams returns to a tournament she has won seven times, setting up a potentially difficult path through the draw.
Should she overcome world No. 53 Joint, she could meet 29th seed Alexandra Eala in the second round.
A further win would open the door to a possible third-round clash with defending champion Iga Swiatek, who begins her title defense against America’s Taylor Townsend.
