Serena Williams issued a statement after she was unable to fulfill her post-match media obligations following a three-set defeat to Maya Joint in the first round of Wimbledon on Tuesday evening. The 44-year-old American, playing her first competitive match since retiring four years ago, was met with a thunderous reception on Centre Court but fell 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3 to the 20-year-old Australian.
Williams' Statement on Return
Instead of speaking to the press courtside, Williams released a statement that read: "It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything." No explanation was given for her absence from media duties.
Match Details
Williams lost the first set 6-3 and twice dropped serve in the second, appearing headed for a straight-sets exit. However, the 23-time Grand Slam champion battled back to win the second set in a tiebreaker. Joint regained control in the third set, winning it 6-3 to advance to the second round for the first time in her career.
Joint's Reaction
Addressing the crowd after her victory, Joint said: "I don't know what just happened. I didn't get much sleep last night. I was up to 2am thinking about it. Walking out, I forgot the warm-up. I don't know what happened. My legs weren't moving. I got a pretty good start in the match. She has such an aura, she is such a legend. So many huge names have played on this court. I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a little kid, so this is pretty crazy. I tried to come out to this court and play a match against her - the start was very nerve-wracking and to finish it off was special. She lifted her level and played some really great tennis."
Next Steps for Williams
Williams will next take the court alongside her older sister Venus in the doubles competition. The pair are scheduled to face Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio in their opening round match on Thursday.
