Serena Williams Falls Just Short in Emotional Wimbledon Singles Return
44-year-old legend pushes young Australian Maya Joint to three sets before first-round exit on Centre Court Wimbledon, July 1, 2026 — Serena Williams’ highly anticipated return to Grand Slam singles tennis ended in a first-round defeat on Tuesday, as the 23-time major champion lost to 20-
44-year-old legend pushes young Australian Maya Joint to three sets before first-round exit on Centre Court
Wimbledon, July 1, 2026 — Serena Williams’ highly anticipated return to Grand Slam singles tennis ended in a first-round defeat on Tuesday, as the 23-time major champion lost to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint in a dramatic three-set match on Centre Court.
In her first singles appearance at a major since 2022, the 44-year-old Williams showed flashes of her trademark power — including serves reaching 120 mph — but struggled with movement as the match wore on. Joint, who grew up idolizing Williams, outlasted the American to secure a career-defining victory and advance to the second round.
Maya Joint takes down Serena Williams in three sets in the legend's return to Wimbledon‼️ pic.twitter.com/fOnON4NkRX
— ESPN (@espn) June 30, 2026
The match drew widespread attention and emotion on the famous London court, with Williams visibly moved by the reception from the crowd. Despite the loss, she displayed competitive resolve by forcing a deciding set before ultimately falling short.
Joint later described the win as the fulfillment of a “lifelong dream,” while Williams offered a gracious response after the match.
