For four years, Serena Williams was there as a memory at Wimbledon. On Tuesday night, he returned to Center Court and made his past felt present.
With headphones on, his eyes straight ahead, Williams had no jazz entrance with a custom jacket or fancy dress. The crowd, however, gave him a standing ovation as the seven-year Wimbledon champion returned to the singles competition.
What was most impressive was how fast Serena Williams looked like she was on Center Court again. In the warm-up period, Williams’ serve and groundstrokes were still at their best. Within a few games, it no longer mattered to watch a 44-age who hasn’t played a singles match in four years. It was as if I was looking at Serena.
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Maya Joint, however, was extremely impressive, catching Serena’s pace and redirection, staying close to the baseline.
I 20year-old Australian, ranked No. 87produced the biggest win of his career, defeating 23– Grand Slam champion of the season 6-3, 6-7(8), 6-3 in two hours again 22 minutes to advance to the second round.
Joint didn’t seem fazed by the incident. His two-handed backhand often called for circles, allowing him to change direction easily and often jump Williams on the forehand side before the American could create enough space to swing freely. There were many difficult rallies straight down the middle of the court, where Joint often came out on top.
Joint and successful Williams 10-7he was beaten 40 who won from Williams 26and finished with 115 points won at 103. Although both players are committed 37 unforced errors, Joint is winning the most important points at the most important moments.
Movement, instead of strength, occasionally betrayed a four-year layoff. Williams still found her favorite to be given wide, forehand winners crushed at sharp angles, and finished off the points with her swinging forehand volley. At great times, he shouted, “Come!” But Joint ran to his front side repeatedly, forcing Williams to punt without creating his usual space. There were occasional missteps—an ill-timed swing, an untimely double fault and a dismal miss—but they felt like dips rather than signs that he wasn’t yours.
The Joint served confidently throughout the opening set, saving two break points in the fifth game before taking it 6-3. Williams responded in the second set, saving a match point before orchestrating a stunning breakaway 10-8 to force a decision maker.
“I really don’t know what to say right now,” said Joint in his courtroom speech.” “I don’t know what just happened, to be honest.
“I didn’t get any sleep last night. I even woke up 2 a.m just thinking about it. I went out, I forgot to warm up. I don’t know what happened.
“My legs weren’t moving. I really don’t know how well I started in the game. Serena has a lot of aura; he is such a legend.
“This arena has had many big names play on it. I’ve been dreaming about this moment since I was a little kid, so this is really crazy.”
After letting a match point slip in the second set, Joint regrouped admirably. Working for the match again in the third, he double-faulted his first point before responding with an ace wide. Williams’ previous comeback went long in the next inning. Joint raised her arms in disbelief, and Serena walked to the net smiling, sharing a warm handshake and congratulating Joint.
“I think the hardest part was trying to get out on the court and play a match with him,” Joint said. To try and finish the match, I think he raised his level. He played some really good tennis there.”
After the biggest victory of his career, Joint will once again face the 29Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in the second round.
Williams’ singles comeback ended in defeat, but her Wimbledon is far from over. She will return in double form along with her sister Venus.
