Wimbledon 2026 results: Serena Williams beaten by Maya Joint in three sets on singles return

Serena Williams came close to a sensational comeback win on her return to Wimbledon and then narrowly lost her epic triple setter to Maya Joint.

Four years ago, the American great made a gesture that many thought would be his final farewell on Center Court after his first-round defeat to French Harmony Tan.

But on Tuesday, the 44-year-old was greeted with electricity when she stepped onto the immaculate grass courts where she has won seven singles titles and six doubles titles.

And 1,462 days after her final point at the All England Club, Williams showed her never-give-up mentality to save a match point and force a deciding set against a player 24 years her junior.

Despite the crowd doing its best to help Williams open the final chapter of her tennis career with victory, Australia’s Joint stood firm in claiming a 6-3 6-7 (6-8) 6-3 victory.

Williams congratulated Joint at the net before receiving a round of applause as he made his debut.

“I didn’t get much sleep last night, just thinking about it until 2 a.m.,” Joint said in his on-field interview.

“I forgot to warm up when I went out, my legs weren’t moving.

“I really don’t know what to say right now. I don’t know what just happened.”

Williams did not hold a mandatory post-match press conference, instead issuing a statement.

“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Getting out was amazing,” the message read.

“I definitely enjoyed it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”