Serena Williams hasn’t lost her ability to entertain even after taking a year off from tennis.
Tuesday’s three-hour, 11-minute match at Wimbledon, which marked her return to grand slam competition, was dramatic and riveting, but it ultimately resulted in a loss. Harmony Tan of France.
Tan, who is No. 115 in the world and playing in her first Wimbledon match, let alone on Centre Court’s main court, maintained composure in the super tie break to win 7-5 1-6 7-6 in what was the longest game of the women’s singles draw thus far (10-7).
Williams’ illustrious career was definitely not her best performance, and it was never going to be, given the length of time she spent away from the game.
But the two players put on a display that over-delivered on drama as the roof closed and the lights flashed in Centre Court, drawing gasps and oohs from the audience.
At the very end, Tan was the one who ruined Williams’ comeback, producing multiple shots that even got her opponent on the other side of the net cheering.
“I’m impressed for my first Wimbledon. Wow, just wow “In her on-court interview, Tan struggled to find the right words.
Those present could hardly disagree.
Serena Williams, who turned 40 in September, is still striving to win a record-tying 24th grand slam championship five years after winning her last one at the Australian Open.
Williams’ return to Wimbledon was expected to be rough, and it took her some time to get into a groove when playing Tan. Her two doubles match at Eastbourne last week were the only competitive appearances she had made in the previous year, up until Tuesday.
She was broken in the opening game, but she had begun to regain her composure by the fourth game. She began to hit her groundstrokes more cleanly as she fought back with a double break of Tan’s serve.
Williams thought about how her life had moved beyond tennis in the days leading up to Wimbledon. Off the court, she has been busy raising a family, running her venture company, and promoting the film King Richard, which she worked on helping to develop.