LONDON — The excitement was palpable even before Serena Williams set foot on Centre Court. The cheers intensified as the 23-time Grand Slam legend prepared for her first singles match in nearly four years.
As the match concluded, the 44-year-old Williams, who put on a commendable performance despite a three-set setback against an opponent less than half her age, graciously acknowledged the roaring crowd with a smile while her two daughters cheered her on.
“It felt wonderful to return to Wimbledon. I never imagined I would be here,” Williams shared in a statement released by Wimbledon organizers, opting not to engage with the media post-match. “The atmosphere was electric. Walking onto the court was a surreal experience. I truly cherished it and savored every moment.”
In a tightly contested match that ended 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 against 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia, Williams proved she can still unleash serves over 120 mph and control rallies with her strong groundstrokes.
However, movement proved challenging for Williams, as the 87th-ranked Joint managed to counter her pace effectively, clinching more crucial points by hitting beyond the American’s reach.
Before Wimbledon, Williams participated in two doubles matches to herald her return to a sport she once dominated, but she hadn’t played a singles match since the 2022 U.S. Open.
“She has such an undeniable presence; she’s a true legend, and this court has seen so many greats,” Joint remarked. “I’ve dreamt of this moment since childhood, so to play here is surreal.”
Williams has an impressive history at the All England Club, with 98 career wins and seven titles in singles. In contrast, for Joint, this marked her first Wimbledon victory in just her second appearance, having lost in the opening round last year.
Nevertheless, Joint triumphed in a Wimbledon warmup in Eastbourne last year, showcasing her capability on grass.
Upcoming Doubles Match
With no singles ranking due to her extended absence, Williams received wild card entries from Wimbledon organizers to compete in both singles and doubles with her sister Venus. Their doubles match is scheduled for later in the week.
Williams mentioned that her daughters’ school break motivated her return, making it special as her youngest daughter, Adira, nearly three, experienced her first live singles match. Adira sat beside her 8-year-old sister, Olympia, in the front row.
Fans erupted in cheers when Williams’ name rang out as the next match on Centre Court, giving her a standing ovation as she entered beneath the closed roof. Many supporters carried banners saying “Welcome Back,” and one fan sported a T-shirt declaring “Unstoppable Queen.”
Williams started strong, executing an impressive topspin lob winner and then firing off a 121 mph ace to level at 3-3 in the opening set. However, a critical double-fault led to the only break of that set.
In the second set, Williams rallied from 0-40 down, saving four break points to hold at 6-5. Then, she saved a match point in the tiebreak with a well-placed serve followed by a forehand winner. Another powerful serve at 122 mph set up her first set point, which she capitalized on when Joint sent a forehand long.
After clinching the set, Williams calmly pumped her fist in celebration.
However, Joint seized control early in the third set, and Williams’ forehand sailed long on Joint’s third match point, bringing the match to a close after 2 hours and 22 minutes.
Both players recorded 37 unforced errors while Joint led with 40 winners to Williams’ 26.
Zverev and Swiatek Move On
Following the opening day that showcased wins from No. 1 seeds Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka, as well as Novak Djokovic, French Open champion Alexander Zverev and defending Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek progressed to the second round on Tuesday.
In a battle of powerful servers, second-seeded Zverev triumphed over Alexander Blockx with a score of 6-4, 6-7 (8), 7-6 (5), 7-6 (0).
Swiatek, whose family was watching from the Royal Box, faced difficulties with her serve, accumulating nine double-faults but ultimately overcame Taylor Townsend 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.
No. 2 Elena Rybakina also moved forward, defeating Lois Boisson 6-4, 1-6, 6-3.
Fourth-seeded Ben Shelton, a quarterfinalist last year, fell to 140th-ranked Finnish qualifier Otto Virtanen in a gripping five-set match, losing 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (8), 6-2, 7-6 (9).
Additionally, 2021 finalist Matteo Berrettini triumphed over Stan Wawrinka 6-7 (7), 7-6 (16), 7-6 (7), 7-6 (5). This match marked Wawrinka’s final appearance at Wimbledon as he intends to retire at the year’s end.
