Serena Williams is back on Wimbledon's Centre Court for her first competitive singles match in nearly four years.
The 44-year-old American tennis icon faces 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of the grass-court Grand Slam.
>>> Max Verstappen Takes Second at Austrian GP, Flags Red Bull Reliability Issues
Williams accepted wild cards to compete in both singles and doubles at the All England Club.
She will partner with her older sister Venus Williams in the doubles draw, after tuning up with doubles at Queen's Club earlier this month.
The return of the veteran champion has drawn huge interest, especially with notable absentees like two-time men's champion Carlos Alcaraz and British favorite Emma Raducanu, both out due to injuries.
Before her opening match, Williams completed a 50-minute practice session watched by her close friend and former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki.
"I'm very excited, it's always good to have the GOAT back," said Wozniacki.
>>> WhatsApp Opens Username Reservations to Protect User Privacy
"She is fun to watch, not only as a friend but also as a tennis fan.
Anytime you can have her back and playing, I think it's exciting for the game."
Other Day 2 Action
Defending women's champion Iga Swiatek opened Centre Court play with a tough 6-1, 2-6, 6-3 victory over Taylor Townsend, despite nine double-faults and serving struggles.
French Open winner Alexander Zverev is scheduled on Centre Court later.
In early men's matches, fifth seed Alex de Minaur and sixth seed Taylor Fritz advanced, with Fritz beating Dusan Lajovic 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 on No. 1 Court.
>>> Ford Rehires 350 Veteran Engineers After AI Quality Checks Fail
In the women's draw, sixth-seeded Amanda Anisimova and former Wimbledon finalist Jasmine Paolini also moved to the next round.
