Serena Williams faced challenges in her return to singles competition, with nerves and a knee injury affecting her performance during her first match in nearly four years. The 44-year-old former world No. 1 was defeated in a three-set match by 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint at Wimbledon on Tuesday, losing 6-3, 6-7 (8-6), 6-3.

Rennae Stubbs, one of Williams’s coaches, noted that it took some time for the 23-time Grand Slam champion to settle during the match. About an hour in, Stubbs observed Williams take a deep breath and begin to relax, signaling a turning point in her composure. Stubbs, who resumed coaching Williams in March, praised the veteran’s ability to still produce high-quality tennis despite the lengthy hiatus from singles play.

Williams’s performance drew considerable attention, with the match setting ratings records on ESPN and receiving public praise from fellow players including Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, and Novak Djokovic. However, Williams sustained a right knee injury late in the first set and withdrew from a doubles match the following day. She shared an update on social media showing fluid draining from her knee and walking with support, indicating the injury was a setback but expressing optimism about recovery.

Williams has not competed in singles since the 2022 U.S. Open and had limited match play before Wimbledon, participating only in a pair of doubles tournaments as preparation. Stubbs explained that the plan was to regain on-court confidence through doubles before returning to singles, but injuries to partners and early losses limited these opportunities.

The conditions at Wimbledon added an additional layer of difficulty. Due to the late start of the match and concerns about fading light, the roof over Centre Court was closed. Stubbs said the indoor environment altered the ball’s behavior, making the court heavier and affecting Williams’s movement. Despite this, Williams managed to serve over 120 mph and demonstrate the precision in her groundstrokes that marked her previous peak form.

Stubbs emphasized that while Williams’s movement was hindered by injury and time away, her timing and shot-making ability remained intact. Managing physical workload is a key consideration for the 44-year-old athlete as she navigates the demands of professional competition at this stage in her career.

Williams’s coaching team includes Stubbs, longtime hitting partner Jarmere Jenkins, and fitness trainer Derick Pierson, all of whom have longstanding relationships with the player. Stubbs, who also supported Williams during her previous retirement phase in 2022, emphasized that Williams’s future plans remain undecided. While Williams indicated she intends to compete again, no specific timetable or events have been confirmed.

“There’s a lot to consider,” Stubbs said. “She’s not just going to do a one-off. I think she would like to play more, but that is 100 percent her decision. We’ll be there to support her however she chooses to move forward.”