Serena Williams enjoys moment in Wimbledon comeback despite three-set loss at 44

The roars began even before Serena Williams stepped onto Centre Court at Wimbledon. Then they grew louder when the 23-time Grand Slam champion arrived to play her first singles match in nearly four years. Williams, 44, performed admirably in a three-set defeat to 20-year-old Maya Joint of Australia in the opening round.

Her two daughters cheered her on from the stands. After the match, Williams smiled as she walked off to loud applause. "It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here," Williams said in a statement released by Wimbledon organizers. "The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything."

In the 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss, Williams showed she can still serve faster than 120 mph and dictate points with her heavy groundstrokes. However, movement appeared to be an issue during the match.

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It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.