For Serena Williams’ 20-year-old Wimbledon opponent, Maya Joint, Center Court was unfamiliar territory. The Australian was making just her second main-draw appearance at the Championships, having exited in the first round on her debut last year.
Against Williams on Tuesday, June 30, Joint secured her first Wimbledon main-draw victory. Although the contest was far from straightforward, the youngster maintained her composure throughout the match — an aspect Chris Evert believed deserved greater recognition.
Chris Evert Makes Her Feelings Clear on Serena Williams-Maya Joint Wimbledon Match
Joint entered the contest against Williams with a 2026 record of three wins against 15 losses. She had lost 13 of her previous 14 matches — a run of form that could easily shake anyone’s confidence, especially when facing Williams on Center Court before a packed crowd eager to witness the American’s return.
Despite the circumstances, Joint remained confident in her abilities and shut out any thoughts of her recent losing streak ahead of the highly anticipated match. Supporting Joint from her player box, alongside the rest of her team, was Sam Stosur — the former US Open champion who famously defeated Serena Williams to win the 2011 title.
After Joint’s 6-3, 6-7(6), 6-3 victory, Stosur said she was even more impressed by the 20-year-old’s composure in handling the occasion than by her tennis. “Obviously there are tactics that go into a match, but for me, the tactics were completely irrelevant if [Maya] didn’t hold herself the way she did,” she told tennis.com.au.
“What I was so pleased with is that right from the first point, really, she just looked like she belonged. And then that set the tone.”
The former World No. 4’s take was backed by three-time Wimbledon champion Chris Evert. The American tennis legend suggested many players would not have been able to close out the match given the pressure of the occasion and the tense atmosphere on Center Court.
“Agree… I feel Maya should’ve received more credit for the way she handled herself… the crowds, Serena, the occasion… the composure she showed at 20 years old was remarkable; many others would’ve folded… Much credit to her…”
Agree… I feel Maya should’ve received more credit for the way she handled herself…the crowds, Serena, the occasion… the composure she showed at 20 years old was remarkable, many others would’ve folded… Much credit to her…💪🏼👏👍
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) July 2, 2026
After her victory against Williams, Joint faced the Philippines’ Alexandra Eala in the second round on Thursday. The Australian fell short as Eala staged a 3-6, 6-2, 6-0 comeback victory.
Despite the Wimbledon singles loss, Joint is still in contention in women’s doubles. She and partner Ekaterina Alexandrova won their first match against Veronika Erjavec and Petra Marčinko on Thursday. They face Kristina Mladenovic and Guo Hanyu in the next round.
Meanwhile, Serena Williams is expected to take the court with sister Venus in their opening doubles match against Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra on Saturday.
