Annabel Croft described Serena Williams' performance as 'extraordinary' and 'jaw-dropping' despite the 23-time Grand Slam champion suffering a first-round defeat at Wimbledon to world number 87 Maya Joint. The 44-year-old mother-of-two, who received a wildcard after returning to professional tennis earlier in June, lost 6-3, 6-7, 6-3 on Centre Court.
Williams fights back but fades in deciding set
Williams showed early promise, but Joint, who came into the tournament on an 11-match losing streak, took control of the opening set. The Australian broke early in the second set, but Williams rallied with the support of the crowd, breaking back twice and winning a tie-break to level the match. In the deciding set, Williams had a break point but failed to convert, and her energy levels dropped as the match progressed. Joint served out for victory, moving one win away from her first third-round appearance at a Grand Slam.
Croft and McEnroe react
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, Croft said: 'For somebody who hasn’t played singles in four years I think it’s extraordinary the level she has already brought. It is jaw-dropping. I thought Maya Joint started to win the battle psychologically. Williams has played so well and there are a lot of players she would have beaten with this level – but her opponent was just inspired today.'
John McEnroe, commentating on BBC One, noted: 'There is rather stunned silence here in not only the commentary booth but also in the crowd. There was that easy backhand to go up 3-1 which was missed, but we all remembered it is Serena Williams. But then you remember she is 44 years old and it has been two hours and 15 minutes of play. It is hard to digest and comprehend what’s happening because it does look like all of a sudden her energy levels have dropped completely.'
Williams continues in doubles
Williams will team up with her sister Venus in the women's doubles event, ensuring Wimbledon fans will see more of the American legend. The subdued atmosphere on Centre Court reflected the disappointment of seeing Williams exit early, but Croft insisted her level was remarkable given her long absence from singles competition.
