Williams returns to Wimbledon after 4 years, but loses in first round

Serena Williams made her highly anticipated return to Wimbledon's Centre Court on Monday, four years after her last appearance, but her comeback ended in a first-round defeat.

The 45-year-old American legend lost to the much younger Maya Joint of Australia, ranked 87th, with a score of 1-2 (3-6, 7-6, 3-6). This marked Williams' first professional singles match in 1,397 days, since the third round of the 2022 US Open.

This return was particularly poignant as it was the first match Williams played with her two daughters in attendance. While her elder daughter, Olympia, has seen her play many times, her second daughter, Adria, born after Williams' initial retirement in 2022, witnessed her mother's professional play for the first time.

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I thought I would never be back at Wimbledon, but I'm so glad to be back. The atmosphere was incredible. Most of all, I missed the moment of walking onto the court. I savored and enjoyed that moment.

Williams, who received a standing ovation upon entering the court, later shared her emotions on social media. "I thought I would never be back at Wimbledon, but I'm so glad to be back. The atmosphere was incredible," she wrote. "Most of all, I missed the moment of walking onto the court. I savored and enjoyed that moment."

Despite the loss, Williams' signature powerful serve, clocked at 193 km/h, was still evident, even helping her force a third set in the tie-break. Her opponent, Joint, who idolizes Williams, admitted to being nervous, staying up until 2 a.m. the night before. "I never thought I'd have the chance to play Williams on Centre Court," Joint said. "I really wanted to do well."

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I never thought I'd have the chance to play Williams on Centre Court. I really wanted to do well.