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Serena Williams Falls to Maya Joint in Wimbledon First Round

7/1/2026

Summary

Williams Loses Wimbledon

Serena Williams lost to Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 in the Wimbledon 2026 first round.
Williams entered Wimbledon on a wildcard after stepping away following the 2022 U.S. Open.
The match lasted about two hours and 22 minutes.
Harmony Tan, who upset Williams in 2022 and missed the 2026 main draw after losing in final qualifying, posted that Williams blocked her on Instagram.

Summary

Williams Returns Wimbledon

Serena Williams, 44, returned to Wimbledon after a 1,396-day hiatus because she wanted her children to watch her play.
Her daughter Adira River, born August 2023, was kept backstage because Wimbledon bans children under five from courtside seats.
She co-founded a National Women’s Soccer League franchise and appeared in the Super Bowl halftime show.
British hitting partner David Quayle said practicing against her aura and serve was intimidating and thrilling.

History

Historical Context

Serena Williams burst onto the scene in 1999, winning the US Open at 17 and becoming the first African-American woman to claim a Grand Slam since Althea Gibson in 1958. Her career later broke age barriers, with a 2020 Auckland title that made her the first player to win in four decades. These milestones underscore the rarity of her 2026 comeback after a long hiatus.

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Williams Loses Wimbledon

Serena Williams lost to Maya Joint 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 in the Wimbledon 2026 first round.
Williams entered Wimbledon on a wildcard after stepping away following the 2022 U.S. Open.
The match lasted about two hours and 22 minutes.
Harmony Tan, who upset Williams in 2022 and missed the 2026 main draw after losing in final qualifying, posted that Williams blocked her on Instagram.

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