Serena Williams’ long-awaited return to Wimbledon has been confirmed, with the former world number one set to face Maya Joint in the opening round after receiving a wildcard entry. The draw, announced on Friday, marks Williams’ first competitive singles match since the 2022 US Open and has immediately become one of the biggest storylines heading into the tournament.
The 44-year-old, who has won seven Wimbledon singles titles and 23 Grand Slam crowns overall, returns to the All England Club more than three years after stepping away from the sport. According to BBC Sport, Williams was handed a wildcard for this year’s Championships and will begin her comeback against Australia’s Maya Joint, currently ranked world number 53.
A difficult road back for Serena Williams
Williams’ first-round opponent represents a completely different generation of tennis. Joint, 20, made her Wimbledon main-draw debut last year but exited in the opening round and has endured a difficult run of form, winning just one of her last 14 matches.
If Williams progresses, the challenge is only expected to increase. As BBC Sport notes, she could meet 29th seed Alexandra Eala of the Philippines in the second round before a potential blockbuster third-round clash against defending champion and world number one Iga Swiatek.
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Women’s draw throws up major storylines
Elsewhere in the women’s singles draw, British number one Emma Raducanu has been paired with Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic in the first round. Raducanu’s fitness remains a talking point after missing a practice session due to a shin issue.
Defending champion Iga Swiatek will begin her title defence against American Taylor Townsend as she looks to retain her Wimbledon crown.
Djokovic and Sinner learn their opponents
The men’s draw also promises plenty of intrigue. Seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic opens his campaign against China’s Wu Yibing as he continues his pursuit of a record 25th Grand Slam singles title.
World number one and defending champion Jannik Sinner will face Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic in his opening match after not competing since his surprise second-round exit at the French Open in May.
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British hopes and Alcaraz absence
British number one Jack Draper has been handed one of the toughest first-round ties of the tournament after being drawn against American sixth seed Taylor Fritz.
Meanwhile, BBC Sport reports that Carlos Alcaraz will miss Wimbledon as he continues to recover from a wrist injury, meaning one of the sport’s biggest stars will not feature at the All England Club this year.
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