Australian player Maya Joint beat Serena Williams 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 in the first round at Wimbledon on Tuesday. It was Williams first singles match in nearly four years. The 44 year old seven time Wimbledon champion received a wildcard and played on Centre Court.
Joint, 20, took the first set with steady play. Williams fought back in the second set and won a tiebreak after saving match points. In the deciding set, Williams broke early, but Joint broke back twice to close out the match in two hours and 22 minutes.
Williams hit powerful serves, including aces at 121 and 122 mph. Joint produced around 40 winners and converted several break points while saving others under pressure. The win came against a player on a long losing streak entering the tournament.
After the match, Joint said she was up until 2 a.m. the night before because of nerves. She called it the biggest win of her career and a dream to play on Centre Court against a legend like Williams. Williams said she enjoyed being back at Wimbledon and loved the atmosphere.
Joint moves on to the second round, where she will face 29th seeded Alexandra Eala. Williams is scheduled to play doubles with her sister Venus later in the tournament.