Serena Williams has been handed a favourable opening assignment for her long-awaited Wimbledon singles comeback, with the draw pairing the seven-time champion against Australian Maya Joint in the first round. The match will mark Williams' first competitive singles outing since the 2022 US Open, a four-year absence that has only intensified the fascination surrounding her return.
Williams, who turns 45 in September, accepted a wildcard for the singles draw having already received one for the women's doubles alongside sister Venus. As recently as earlier this month, she questioned whether she was ready for singles competition, telling reporters she needed to "get to work." Clearly, the preparation in the weeks since has given her the confidence to commit.
Joint, ranked 53rd in the world, is just 20 years old and enters the match having won only one of her last 14 matches. She lost in the first round on her Wimbledon main-draw debut last year, making this a matchup Williams will feel she can win, though the gulf between doubles and singles tennis remains significant after such a lengthy layoff.
Behind the scenes, Williams has been building quietly. British hitting partner David Quayle flew to Florida in May to help prepare her, and described her as "still operating at a very high level" and "the ultimate professional." He will be part of her support team in London, alongside coach Jarmere Jenkins and Grand Slam doubles champion Rennae Stubbs.
Williams currently sits one Grand Slam title short of Margaret Court's all-time women's record of 24. Whether this comeback can extend that chapter remains deeply uncertain, but the draw has at least given her a realistic first step.
TennisDraw users have been buzzing with bracket predictions ever since Williams confirmed her wildcard entry, making her one of the most-selected conversation pieces in the women's half of the draw.