Serena Williams returned to Wimbledon on Wednesday and lost to Australia’s Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3 in a first-round match on Centre Court.
Williams, 44, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, had not competed on tour in more than 1,000 days. The match lasted two hours, 22 minutes.
Williams won 56 points behind serve and produced several serves above 120 mph. Joint won 76 points on serve and hit 40 winners to Williams’ 26.
The match featured extended baseline rallies, with Joint covering the court to return shots from Williams.
Williams and Joint split the first two sets before Joint led early in the third set and held the advantage to close the match.
Williams said before the tournament she felt no pressure and was motivated in part by the opportunity for her daughters, Olympia and Adira, to see her compete at Wimbledon. Her family watched from the player’s box.
Williams is scheduled to play women’s doubles later this week with her sister Venus Williams. The pair have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
It is not confirmed whether Williams will continue beyond Wimbledon. A possible wildcard entry at the US Open has been mentioned.
