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Serena's comeback bid ended by rising Aussie star
SEN • July 1st, 2026 9:33 am
Serena Williams's wildcard return to major tennis has been ended in the first round at Wimbledon where the 44-year-old 23-time slam champion was beaten by Australia's Maya Joint.
In her first ever outing on Wimbledon's iconic Centre Court, Joint was contesting only her second time competing at SW19. She rose to the occasion claiming her biggest name scalp beating Williams 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 6-3.
"I didn't get much sleep last night. I was up until 2am just thinking about it," she said afterwards.
"I forgot the warm-up, I don't know what happened. My legs weren't moving, I don't know how I got a pretty good start in the match.
"She has such an aura, she's such a legend and this court has so many huge names that have played on it. I've been dreaming about this moment since I was a little kid, so this is pretty crazy.
"The start was very nerve wracking and then trying to finish out the match as well, she definitely lifted her level and played some really great tennis there."
Williams will remain at Wimbledon to contest the women's doubles alongside her sister Venus.
