Annabel Croft has described Serena Williams' performance as 'extraordinary' despite the 23-time Grand Slam champion suffering a first-round defeat at Wimbledon to world number 87 Maya Joint. The 44-year-old, who received a wildcard after making a shock return to professional tennis earlier this month, lost 6-3 6-7 6-3 on Centre Court.
Williams shows promise but fades
Williams displayed some promising early signs before Joint, who entered Wimbledon on an 11-match losing streak, took control of the opening set. The Australian broke early in the second set, but Williams rallied with the support of the crowd, breaking back twice and winning a tie-break to level the match. However, in the deciding set, Williams failed to convert a break point and began to fade as age and lack of match practice took their toll. Joint served out for victory, moving one win away from her first Grand Slam third-round appearance.
Croft praises Williams' level
Despite the defeat, former British number one Croft was impressed by Williams' display, given it was her first singles match in over four years. 'For somebody who hasn't played singles in four years I think it's extraordinary the level she has already brought,' Croft told BBC Radio 5 Live. 'It is jaw-dropping. I thought Maya Joint started to win the battle psychologically. Williams has played so well and there are a lot of players she would have beaten with this level – but her opponent was just inspired today.'
McEnroe notes energy drop
John McEnroe, commentating on BBC One, observed a shift in Williams' energy levels. 'There is rather stunned silence here in not only the commentary booth but also in the crowd,' he said. 'There was that easy backhand to go up 3-1 which was missed, but we all remembered it is Serena Williams. But then you remember she is 44 years old and it has been two hours and 15 minutes of play. It is hard to digest and comprehend what's happening because it does look like all of a sudden her energy levels have dropped completely.'
Doubles with Venus ahead
Williams will return to Centre Court later in the tournament to team up with her older sister Venus in the women's doubles event, ensuring Wimbledon fans have not seen the last of the American legend.
