The 20-year-old Australian is currently ranked 87th in the world, with a career-high ranking of 28, but has lost her last 11 tour-level matches.
A former champion on grass at Eastbourne last year, Joint is making just her second appearance at Wimbledon having yet to make it past the first round, while she has only reached the second round of a grand slam on one occasion.
She was born in 2006, when Williams was already a seven-time grand slam champion. The American won a further 16 grand slam titles in her lifetime.
(AFP/Getty)
Flo Clifford30 June 2026 16:30
Jacob Fearnley seals third British win on day two
That’s a lovely win for Jacob Fearney, who prevails from two sets down to beat Alex Michelsen 3-6 4-6 6-2 6-3 6-2.
After breaking into the top 50 after a rapid rise a couple of years ago, and taking a set off Novak Djokovic on Centre Court, backing up his breakthrough has been a struggle for the 24-year-old Scot.
Before Wimbledon, he had won only two matches on tour during an injury-hit season and he has dropped out of the top 100. This is a boost to his confidence.
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 16:28
When is Serena Williams playing singles at Wimbledon?
Williams will play her first-round match against Maya Joint, the world No 53, on Tuesday 30 July. It will be the final match of the day on Centre Court, following the defending champion Iga Swiatek and French Open champion Alexander Zverev’s opener against Alexander Blockx.
Swiatek’s match went to three sets and there will now be a best-of-five set match between Zverev and Blockx. Williams could be therefore be in action on Tuesday evening, at around 7pm BST (2pm ET).
Flo Clifford30 June 2026 16:20
Iga Swiatek survives almighty Taylor Townsend scare in unconvincing start to Wimbledon title defence
The Pole won 6-1 2-6 6-3 in a little over two hours but for some time it looked like an upset was brewing on Centre Court. More here:
Flo Clifford30 June 2026 16:12
Iga Swiatek emotional after opening win
A hugely significant win for Swiatek. You can see what it means.
“I’m not sure if I’m able to talk that much. But it was a tough couple of weeks. Not a season where everything went how I wanted. I don’t think I won any three set match this year. I’m happy I could do it here. It means a lot opening the court as defending champion.”
(PA)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 15:49
GAME, SET AND MATCH! Iga Swiatek survives!
Relief for the defending champion! Sealed with an ace!
Only two defending women’s champions had been knocked out in the first round. Taylor Townsend threatened making that three, as Swiatek’s serve and forehand fell apart in the second set.
But Swiatek steadied, saving four break points at the start of the third. From there, she battled on, showing resilience and grit to avoid the upset.
This clearly means a lot to Swiatek. The Polish player immediately covers her face in a towel, and appears to be sobbing in relief. Returning as champion brings pressure.
(Reuters)
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 15:40
Swiatek breaks to put pressure and will serve for match
Iga Swiatek breaks! Taylor Townsend’s serve falls apart and Swiatek picks her off at the net with a forehand winner. The defending champion will now serve for the match, to avoid the upset.
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 15:39
Momentum swings again on Centre as Swiatek breaks to 15 – but then at 30-30 on her serve the Pole double faults, her ninth of the match, and Townsend converts the break point to break straight back!
Swiatek leads 4-3 in this deciding set.
Flo Clifford30 June 2026 15:33
After that mammoth service game scare for Swiatek, it’s going on serve so far in this decider: 2-2.
Flo Clifford30 June 2026 15:23
Arthur Fery confronted by opponent in fiery Wimbledon clash: ‘Be honest!’
A furious Damir Dzumhur raged at the British wildcard and chair umpire Greg Allensworth over a disputed ‘let’
Jamie Braidwood30 June 2026 15:13