Serena Williams Falls in Wimbledon Return as Maya Joint Claims Three-Set Upset
Maya Joint beat Serena Williams 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 in the Wimbledon first round, ending the 44-year-old’s return after four years out. Joint next faces 29th seed Alexandra Eala.
‘I don’t know what just happened’ as Joint stuns Serena Williams on Wimbledon comeback...
Serena Williams’ much-hyped return to competitive tennis after four years away ended in the first round on Tuesday. The American fell 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 to unheralded Australian Maya Joint at Wimbledon.
A 44-year-old wildcard, Williams had been tipped to become the oldest woman to win a singles match at the All England Club since Martina Navratilova did it aged 47 in 2004. Joint, however, had other plans.
The 20-year-old wasn’t even alive when Williams collected the first seven of her 23 Grand Slam singles titles. She tuned out the noise around her opponent’s comeback and delivered the biggest win of her young career so far.
Joint arrived on Centre Court having won only once in her previous 12 tournaments. By the end, she was soaking up the moment after stunning one of tennis’ all-time greats.
“I don't know what just happened to be honest,” Joint told the cheering Centre Court crowd.
“I've been dreaming about this moment since I was a little kid, so this is pretty crazy.”
It was Williams’ first singles match since the 2022 US Open, and the 23-time major champion may have questioned taking the wildcard when she couldn’t summon the power that once overwhelmed opponents like Joint.
As Williams eased back into the spotlight, world No. 87 Joint came out aggressive and rattled her American idol right from the opening set.
Williams, whom John McEnroe calls “the GOAT” and “one of the best athletes - male or female - in any sports,” wasn’t done yet. Her signature “C'mon” echoed around Centre Court as she saved match point and battled back to take the second set on a tiebreak.
But the setback didn’t rattle Joint or break her rhythm.
Centre Court rises for @serenawilliams 🫶#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/O3XRkjQ4cv
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 30, 2026
About 45 minutes later she had her arms raised in celebration after Williams closed out one of sport’s most talked-about comebacks by firing a return long.
“I didn't get much to sleep last night. I was up till 2 a.m. just thinking about walking out,” Joint said, still grinning from ear to ear.
“My legs weren't moving... she has such an aura, she's such a legend. I really don't know how I got a pretty good start in the match.”
Joint’s next opponent will be 29th seed Alexandra Eala of the Philippines.
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