Wimbledon 2026: Joint defies Serena, Stan bows out in style

Serena Williams: 'I enjoyed the moment more than anything'

44-year-old Serena Williams, back running the Grand Slams singles gauntlet for the first time since US Open 2022, thrilled the Centre Court crowd, fending off a match point in the second set. There was a raucous reception for the all-star American, there were the archetypal Serena ‘C’mon’s and ripping shots.

However, world No.87 Maya Joint maintained her composure down the straight for a 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 career-defining triumph.

“I didn’t get much sleep last night. I was up to 2am just thinking about it. Walking out I forgot the warm-up. I don’t know what happened. My legs weren’t moving. I really don’t know how I got a pretty good start in the match,” said Joint, who had lost her previous 11 tour-level matches in a row.

“She has such an aura. She is such a legend and this court has so many huge names that have played on it. I have been dreaming of this moment since I was a little kid, so this was pretty crazy.

“I think the toughest part was just trying to come out on court and play a match against her. The start was nerve-wracking. Trying to finish out the match as well, I think she definitely lifted her level. She played some great tennis there.”

Williams, the second-oldest woman to compete in the women’s singles at Wimbledon in the Open era after a 47-year-old Martina Navratilova in 2004, had her sister Venus snapping pictures with pride from the player’s box, as well as both of Serena’s daughters catching a glimpse of their Hall of Fame mother too.

“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here. The atmosphere was amazing,” said Williams in a statement. “Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”

Stan Wawrinka: 'Never easy to say goodbye to something that you love so much'

Over to No.1 Court at the same time and Swiss star Stan Wawrinka was waving goodbye to Wimbledon.

It’s the three-time Grand Slam champion’s farewell season, but ‘Stanimal’ is out there on the final lap to compete to the very end. It’s that spirit and mentality which yielded those three majors in the ‘Big 3’ era.

Sure did Stan compete on Tuesday, pushing Wimbledon 2021 runner-up Matteo Berrettini to the limit in four absorbing, nail-biting tie-break sets.

The Italian – who has endured his fair share of injury troubles in recent campaigns – secured the second-round ticket 6-7(7), 7-6(16), 7-6(7), 7-6(5) – to halt Wawrinka’s last and 19th Wimbledon campaign at the first hurdle.

In an act of pure class, Berrettini chased Wawrinka down the No.1 Court player tunnel to return his match towel.

“He’s a legend, he showed it today – he’s an unbelievable player, unbelievable competitor,” said the Italian, who advances to meet Frenchman Arthur Fils.

“I remember in 2014, I played in the juniors here and I snuck into Centre Court and he was playing Roger (Federer, in the quarter-finals). It was a big honour to play against him here, I feel so grateful.

“That’s why I ran after him, I wanted to give him his last towel that he player here. I wouldn’t have minded keeping it, but he wanted it!”

Check out the memorable Matteo gesture below.