Williams edged by Joint in epic three‑setter on singles return

Serena Williams made her return to singles competition at Wimbledon 2026 but narrowly lost a three-set match to Maya Joint 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 3-6. Williams pushed Joint closely, taking the second set to a tiebreak before ultimately falling in the deciding third set. The result denied Williams a comeback victory in what was described as an epic contest.