From Marcus Nkire
Australian rising star Maya Joint claimed the biggest victory of her career after defeating Serena Williams in the opening round of Wimbledon, extending a tournament already filled with major upsets.
Williams, who returned to the All England Club after receiving a wildcard entry into the singles draw, was unable to mark her comeback with a victory as the 20-year-old Australian secured a hard-fought 6-3, 6-7 (8), 6-3 win to reach the second round.
Joint made a strong start by taking the opening set before Williams fought back to edge a tense second-set tie-break and force a decider. The Australian, however, regained her composure in the final set to complete one of the most memorable wins of her young career.
The victory came before a packed Centre Court crowd, with former US Open champion Sam Stosur among those watching from the stands. Joint celebrated the milestone by raising her arms after converting match point.
Williams’ first-round exit adds to a growing list of early surprises at this year’s Wimbledon, where several highly seeded players have already been eliminated in the opening stages of the tournament.
For Joint, the result represents a significant breakthrough as she continues her rise on the professional circuit, having now recorded a career-defining victory over one of the sport’s greatest players.