Overview
- Serena Williams, 44, lost a three-set match to 20-year-old Maya Joint, leaving her early in her first singles appearance after a four-season break.
- The match featured flashes of Serena’s power, including a 196 kph (about 122 mph) serve, and she won the second set in a tiebreak before dropping the decider.
- The crowd gave Serena a standing ovation and she said she enjoyed being back on the Wimbledon stage after prioritizing family time since 2022.
- Joint said facing Serena was an overwhelming experience and praised the match as unforgettable, underscoring the young player’s rise on grass.
- Serena’s recent return to doubles play preceded this singles outing, and her competitive showing will shape discussions about whether she pursues more singles events.