Serena Williams’ return to Wimbledon didn’t go according to plan.
In her first singles match since the 2022 U.S. Open, Williams showed fight in the second set but lost to Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3.
The first set lasted 35 minutes as Williams, 44, showcased her power by hitting a serve 121 miles per hour, but couldn’t keep up with Joint.
Despite a raucous Centre Court crowd, Joint, ranked No. 87 in the world, didn’t seem fazed by Williams and the stakes regarding her return.
Williams, who received a wild-card entry, struggled out of the gate in the second set, falling behind 3-1 and failing to catch up en route to the loss.
Courtesy of ESPN Research, Tuesday marked the first time since 2009 that Williams entered a match at Wimbledon as the betting underdog. The last time she wasn’t a favorite was against her sister Venus.
Serena and Venus will play together Thursday in the ladies’ doubles bracket.
Venus was in attendance Tuesday in support along with Serena’s husband, Alexis Ohanian, and their two daughters, Olympia and Adira.