Serena Williams' (44) singles comeback at Wimbledon lasted only one round. The seven-time tournament champion lost to Australian Maya Joint (20), 24 years her junior, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6), 3-6 on Tuesday evening after 2 hours and 22 minutes. However, her family was there to provide support: Husband Alexis Ohanian (43), their two daughters, and sister Venus watched the match from the player's box.
Husband Ohanian followed every rally intently and applauded - by his side were their daughters Olympia (8) and Adira (2). The two girls beamed as they watched their mother play. For little Adira, it was actually the first time she had seen Serena Williams in a singles match, as she had taken a roughly four-year break before the Wimbledon match. The fact that the children had school vacation and could therefore be in London was even a motivation for Williams' return, as she explained in an interview beforehand.
Venus captures the moment with her phone
Her sister Venus Williams (46) also cheered her younger sister on at every point. She even captured the moment when Serena entered Centre Court to thunderous applause with her smartphone, as TV footage proves. Around 15,000 spectators also rose to their feet in a standing ovation as she entered, some holding up welcome signs.
But athletically, youth prevailed. Joint, ranked number 87 in the world, was not intimidated by the special atmosphere. Although Williams fought back to a tiebreak in the second set and fended off a match point there before ultimately winning it, the Australian's superior fitness became apparent in the third set.
However, Wimbledon isn't completely over for Williams yet. On Thursday, she wants to compete in doubles alongside her sister Venus. Together, the two form the most successful doubles team in recent tennis history: they have won 14 Grand Slam titles together, including six at Wimbledon.
