Wimbledon legend Serena Williams returns to singles action at SW19 on Tuesday with a first-round clash against Australia’s Maya Joint.
The seven-time champion has not played competitive singles tennis since the 2022 US Open, but surprisingly took a wildcard to play in front of her daughters at Centre Court.
The 44-year-old warmed up for this comeback with a couple of doubles appearances at Queen’s Club and Berlin, showing some glimpses of the old magic that made her great on grass.
But the 23‑time Grand Slam champion’s last two Wimbledon appearances ended in first‑round defeats, including her emotional retirement mid‑match in 2021.
Joint, meanwhile, enters her second Wimbledon main draw with her form in freefall. The 20‑year‑old Australian reached a career‑high ranking of No.28 earlier this year and won the Eastbourne title in 2025.
But she holds a 3‑15 record in 2026 and is winless on grass this season after exiting at the first-round stage at both Nottingham and Eastbourne.
The contrast between these two players, who have never met on court before, could hardly be more stark, with Williams seeking her 99th Wimbledon singles win and Joint chasing a first.
Serena Williams v Maya Joint Tips Summary
Best Bet – Serena Williams +2.5 Games Handicap @ 5/6
Alternative Bet – First Set Total Games - Over 9.5 @ 1/1
Bet Builder – Williams to win 2‑1, Williams 5+ Aces & Williams to Break Serve in Set 1 @ 11/2
Serena Williams v Maya Joint Prediction
Best Bet – Serena Williams +2.5 Games Handicap @ 5/6
Williams has had a lot going on in her life off the court in the past few years, but she seemed in pretty good shape at Queen’s Club earlier this month when she teamed up with Victoria Mboko in the doubles.
In admittedly a much more relaxed atmosphere, the duo knocked out the third-seeded pairing Erin Routliffe and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in straight sets.
Mboko was clearly impressed with her partner’s backhand on one winner and Williams sealed the victory with a vintage service hold. Back-to-back aces brought up match point, on which she unleashed an 113 mph serve down the T that went untouched.
Whether she can translate that brief reminder of her heyday into a win over an active top-100 player remains to be seen, but there is a chance she can keep the match close against an out-of-form opponent.
Joint has lost 15 of her last 18 matches, slipped outside the top 50, and is winless on grass this season. Her confidence appears fragile, and she has struggled to hold serve consistently.
Williams’ experience, serve and competitive instincts should keep her within touching distance, even if she is rusty in the early going.
Alternative Bet – First Set Total Games - Over 9.5 @ 1/1
The first set may not be all that pretty because of the rust factor and Joint’s fragile confidence.
Williams’ serve should earn her free points, but her return game may take time to sharpen.
Joint, despite her poor form, is capable of extended rallies and will know she has to keep her opponent moving by occasionally drawing her into the net.
The opening set in the Australian’s last three matches has gone long — to 12 games and beyond.
And with Williams and Joint’s inconsistency likely to produce swings, there could easily be 10 or more games in the first set.
Serena Williams v Maya Joint Bet Builder
Serena Williams to win 2‑1
Serena Williams 5+ Aces
Serena Williams to break serve in Set 1
Pays @ 11/2
Williams has not played singles since 2022, so a slow start is possible.
Joint has won only once since the Australian Open, but she has occasionally been able to pinch the opening set.
If the American does eventually get into some kind of service rhythm, expect her to close out the win in a decider.
Even late in her career, Williams regularly produced double‑digit ace counts and Joint’s return numbers this season have been poor, so back the former champion to produce at least five aces.
She may take time to impose herself on serve, but there ought to be break-point opportunities on the Joint serve with the Aussie having been broken 12 times in her last two matches.
Read more tennis betting tips and predictions on site.
Key Match Stats
Williams is 98-14 at Wimbledon with an 88% win rate.
Joint is 0‑1 at Wimbledon and winless on grass in 2026.
Williams has not played singles since the 2022 US Open.
Joint’s record this season is 3‑15, with a ranking drop from No.28 to No.87
Williams has won 23 Grand Slam titles, Joint has one WTA title (Eastbourne 2025).
Joint’s last two matches have gone over 21.5 games.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
