Serena Williams’ long-awaited return to Grand Slam singles ended in disappointment as the 23-time major champion was beaten by Australia’s Maya Joint in the opening round of Wimbledon.

Playing her first singles match since retiring after the 2022 US Open, the 44-year-old American rolled back the years with a spirited display before eventually falling 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 to the 20-year-old Australian in a contest that captivated Centre Court.

Williams, making a remarkable comeback after nearly four years away from competitive singles, showed flashes of the power and resilience that defined one of the greatest careers in tennis history. After dropping the opening set, she refused to surrender, saving a match point in a dramatic second-set tie-break before forcing a deciding set.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion appeared to draw energy from the packed crowd as she fought back from the brink, but Joint maintained her composure in the decider, breaking at crucial moments before serving out the biggest victory of her young career.

The result marks a dream Wimbledon breakthrough for Joint, who claimed the first Grand Slam victory over one of the sport’s greatest icons and advanced to the second round.

For Williams, the defeat ends one of the most anticipated comebacks in recent tennis history. Although her return lasted just one match, her ability to push a rising star to three sets after such a lengthy absence underlined the competitive spirit that made her one of the game’s all-time greats.

While questions will inevitably be asked about whether this was a one-off appearance or the beginning of another chapter in her legendary career, Williams’ determination to save match point and force a deciding set ensured the Wimbledon crowd witnessed one final reminder of the champion’s fighting spirit.