Williams falls just short on Wimbledon singles return

Serena Williams received an electric reception as she stepped back onto Centre Court at Wimbledon for the first time in 1,462 days. The 44-year-old American, a seven-time singles champion at the All England Club, fought valiantly but ultimately lost 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 to Australian qualifier Maya Joint.

Williams saved a match point in the second set tie-break to force a decider, but Joint, playing in her first Wimbledon main draw, held her nerve to secure victory. After the match, Joint admitted she had barely slept the night before and forgot her warm-up due to nerves. She described playing Williams on Centre Court as a dream come true.

Williams showed glimpses of her former self after a rusty start, battling back from a break down in the second set. However, the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion could not maintain the pace against the 20-year-old, who had lost 11 consecutive WTA Tour-level matches before this win.

Williams was supported by her daughters Olympia (8) and Adira (almost 3), as well as sister Venus and husband Alexis Ohanian. She is scheduled to play doubles with Venus later this week.