Serena Williams’ Wimbledon singles comeback ends in first-round loss

By Noah Lavoie — 30 June 2026 — 3 min read

Serena Williams’ return to singles competition at Wimbledon concluded in the first round after a match against Australia’s Maya Joint. Joint defeated the six-time champion in three sets on Tuesday. This match marked Williams’ first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open.

The score of the match was 6-3, 6-7, and 6-3 in favour of Joint. Despite the loss, Williams, competing at 44 years old after a four-year absence from singles play, created a notable occasion on Centre Court. She had faced challenges, trailing by a set and a break, and also facing a match point in the second-set tiebreak, yet managed to force a decider.

The atmosphere on Centre Court was described as remarkable, with a packed crowd under the lights for a match that began around 7:30 p.m. local time. The tension was likened to that of a final rather than a first-round encounter. Williams’ presence at the All England Club, and her announcement of a return, generated significant attention in the sport.

Match Progression and Key Moments

Joint, a 20-year-old Australian, is participating in her third Wimbledon main draw. She displayed composure throughout the match, despite a moment of uncertainty in the second set. Joint, who is the world No. 87, had experienced a series of losses in previous tour-level matches. Williams’ movement in the initial stages of the match was described as tentative, particularly on grass. However, her serve, a key element of her past successes, maintained much of its power, with Williams holding to love in her first service game and delivering serves at speeds of 123 mph and 121 mph.

Early in the match, Joint fended off two break points before securing the first break for a 5-3 lead in the first set. Williams struggled with her groundstrokes at times, being off balance. Joint then held serve to win the first set in 36 minutes. In the second set, Joint secured an early break, leading 3-1, and continued to defend break points. Williams, despite creating opportunities, was unable to convert them consistently.

Williams broke back to level the second set at 3-3, showcasing her ability to reach a high level of play, though sustaining it proved challenging. Joint broke again in the subsequent game. Williams then broke once more for 4-4. The second set culminated in a tiebreak, where Williams saved a match point and ultimately won the set, leading to a significant crowd reaction.

Decisive Third Set and Future Plans

Williams carried momentum into the third set, breaking for a 2-1 lead. However, the intensity of the preceding hours appeared to affect her, and Joint broke twice to establish a 5-2 lead. Williams served to stay in the match, successfully doing so. Joint, despite a double fault on her second match point, converted her third opportunity to secure the victory.

Williams has not publicly discussed her singles plans following her Wimbledon appearance. Her next scheduled event is a doubles match with her sister, Venus Williams. The sisters have won six doubles titles together at Wimbledon.

This match allowed Williams to assess her competitiveness in singles. She played in front of her daughters, Olympia and Adira. While not resulting in a title, this return marks another chapter in Williams’ Wimbledon history.

Source: tsn.ca