Serena Williams produced moments of vintage brilliance, but her long-awaited return to competitive tennis after a four-year absence ended in disappointment as the former world No. 1 fell 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 to little-known Australian Maya Joint in the Wimbledon first round.
There were hopes the 44-year-old would become the oldest woman to win a singles match at the All England Club since Martina Navratilova achieved the feat at age 47 in 2004. Instead, Joint spoiled the comeback with a fearless display.
The 20-year-old Australian, who was not yet born when Williams won the first seven of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, shut out the buzz surrounding one of the sport’s most anticipated returns and delivered the biggest victory of her young career.
Joint arrived on Centre Court having won just one match in her previous 12 tournaments. She left with a career-defining upset, toppling one of tennis’ greatest champions and ending Williams’ comeback almost as soon as it began.
“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything,” Williams said, noting she won the last of her seven All England Club titles a decade ago.
