Serena Williams loses in opening round at Wimbledon in her 1st singles match in nearly 4 years
The 44-year-old pushed the match to a tiebreak before the 20-year-old Australian closed out the three-set win, ending Williams’ singles comeback.
- On Tuesday, June 30, 2026, 44-year-old Serena Williams lost her first singles match at Wimbledon in 1,397 days, falling to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 on Centre Court.
- Accepted as a wild card entrant, Williams returned to the sport after a four-year hiatus, with Wimbledon's offer prompting her to reassess whether this moment warranted a comeback.
- Williams displayed her signature power with a 121-mile-per-hour serve and won the second-set tiebreak 8-6, yet Joint's aggressive baseline play and depth ultimately dominated the decisive third set.
- Joint, who grew up idolizing Williams, said, "I've been dreaming about this moment since I was a little kid," while Williams reflected that her evolution meant she never expected to return.
- While her singles comeback ended early, Williams remains in the tournament to reunite with her sister Venus Williams for women's doubles, an idea inspired by her 8-year-old daughter Olympia.
240 Articles
240 Articles
Serena Williams' Wimbledon Return Ends Early, Closing Door On Alex Eala Dream Showdown
Serena Williams' long-awaited return to Wimbledon singles is over after just one match. The seven-time champion fell to Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 in a gruelling first-round battle and with it, any chance of a fairytale showdown against rising Filipino tennis star Alexandra Eala. It was Williams' first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open. Despite the early exit, the 44-year-old made clear the occasion meant everything to her. 'I never exp…
'ARE YOU SERIOUS?!?!': Serena Williams' Comeback Takes an Unexpected Turn After Last Woman to Beat Her at Wimbledon Gets Something Off Her Chest
Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback ended in the first round Tuesday after she lost to Australia's Maya Joint in three sets, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-2. The tennis
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Serena Williams tweaked her knee during Wimbledon return at age 44, agent says
Serena Williams' agent says the 23-time Grand Slam champion tweaked her right knee at Wimbledon during her first singles match in nearly four years but still hopes to play doubles with sister Venus later in the week.
Serena Williams lost in turn 1 on her return to Wimbledon – against a really grateful opponent. Nevertheless, her comeback has succeeded.
Wimbledon to serve up Eastbourne final rematch as Maya Joint faces Alexandra Eala after beating Serena Williams
Wimbledon will stage a repeat of one of the most memorable Eastbourne Open finals, when Maya Joint takes on Alexandra Eala in the second round at SW19.
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