Serena Williams has fallen at the very first hurdle at Wimbledon, but she certainly hasn’t made a mistake by playing.
At the age of 44, Williams received a wildcard to play at the prestigious tournament, which she has won seven times throughout her stunning career.
Rather than calling it quits at Wimbledon and indeed in tennis in general, the WTA legend has decided to make a return after almost four years away.
And while she hasn’t had the fairytale comeback she would have wanted, Williams made the right decision to take on the Grand Slam.
What was the biggest shock from the first round of Wimbledon this year?
Plenty to choose from…
Serena Williams was right to play at Wimbledon despite early exit
First and foremost, considering her age and complete absence of any singles matches prior to her opener at SW19, she can be proud of her level.
Her opponent Maya Joint – despite enduring a difficult run – is a two-time WTA champion, and was a top 30 player in February this year.
But Williams pushed her all the way on Centre Court, before ultimately losing 3-6, 7-6(8-6), 3-6 after two hours and 22 minutes.
More importantly, however, the real driving force behind her return was not to prove anything to anyone – she’s already done more than enough in that regard.
But the American instead wanted to play in front of her children, which she has now done, and on Centre Court at the All England Club of all places.
Moreover, the legendary figure gave the Wimbledon crowd and indeed those watching on from afar plenty to smile about.
It is not every day that supporters get a glimpse of such an icon of the sporting world, but Williams has just provided them with a memory of a lifetime.
Fans packed into the iconic venue to see the 23-time Grand Slam champion in action, with her husband, two daughters and sister Venus Williams watching on from her player box.
It is, however, certainly worth noting one negative for the player, who hasn’t helped herself by refusing to speak to the media after her loss.
Even with everything she has done for tennis, it isn’t a great look at all, especially considering Wimbledon went out of their way to give the 44-year-old a wildcard.
Marion Bartoli praises ‘extraordinary message’ from Serena Williams
Among those left completely amazed by Williams in the best possible way is her former WTA rival Marion Bartoli.
The French icon, who won Wimbledon in 2013, said of her return on BBC 5 Live Sport: “I honestly jumped out for joy.
“I mean for me it was just the biggest news ever when she announced it officially. I just messaged her straight away saying I’m going to be in the first row in your match, just cheering on for you.
“Because as much as we have been playing against each other, she has been my sport idol and sport hero my whole life.
“And definitely on the women’s side, for me one of the top women’s athletes we’ve ever had across the board in any sport.
“There is not an ounce of her body that doesn’t want to be there. She looked like she’s 18 years old playing her first Wimbledon, which I found extraordinary after everything she has achieved, that she still has that sparkle in her eye, that she’s still motivated and loves our sport that much.
“I think that’s an extraordinary message for people around the world that it doesn’t matter how much you have achieved, as long as you’re passionate about what you’re doing, you’re going to still go out there and compete.”
It’s a fantastic assessment from Bartoli, who undoubtedly echoes the thoughts of so many tennis fans and indeed players throughout the world.
Of course, her latest Wimbledon journey is not yet complete, with Williams set to play in the doubles event alongside her sister Williams.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
