Serena Williams’ child banned from watching mum on Centre Court at Wimbledon | Tennis | Sport

Serena Williams officially made her sensational return to singles competition on one of the greatest stages in tennis, Wimbledon’s Centre Court. The seven-time champion received a standing ovation as she stepped out under the roof and the lights, while her own box was packed full with supporters, including daughters Alexis Olympia, eight, and Adira River, two.

They couldn’t provide the good-luck charm she was hoping for, however, as she went down in three sets to Maya Joint. Another chance at a swan song in London failed to bear the fruit she was after, though Australian contender Joint was well worthy of her place in the second round. When Williams last played a singles match against Ajla Tomljanovic at the 2022 US Open – what many thought was the last of her career – Adira was not even born yet. The 23-time major winner welcomed her second child a year after that farewell, in August 2023.

However, the two-year-old was not allowed to stay in Williams’ box for the match, as the All England Club has a strict age limit requiring children to be at least five years old to watch a match. It meant that Adira had to leave before play got underway, while Olympia was allowed to stay and sat next to her father, Alexis Ohanian.

Wimbledon’s age restriction rules also affected two-time former champion Andy Murray when he made his final appearance here in 2024. The Scot has four children with his wife, Kim, but only their two eldest daughters could sit in his box when the former No. 1 teamed up with his brother, Jamie, in doubles two years ago.

Williams’ children have played a special part in their mother’s comeback, and were also at Queen’s when she returned to action in doubles alongside Victoria Mboko. There, they were both allowed to watch from her box, and Olympia has been spotted on the practice court with the former world No. 1 on multiple occasions, handing her balls and helping out.

Naturally, the American tennis icon still had plenty of support, even without her youngest daughter in her box. Under the Centre Court roof, the atmosphere was electric, and fans cheered, whooped and screamed as she stepped out. The noise continued throughout the match, urging Williams on through both her successes and the numerous missed opportunities.

Williams stirred belief by winning the opening point of the clash to a sea of cheers. She grew into the match, finding her rhythm on the singles court once more as the four-year absence seemed to wash away. There were some enthralling rallies, and Williams’ power was evident as she slammed down serves and ripped forehands

She saved a match point at 6-5 down on her serve in the second-set tiebreak, and a 122mph serve brought up set point. Williams took it when the 20-year-old sent the ball long after a nail-biting exchange.

But four years away from the game proved to be just a little bit too much for Williams, even for a champion of her stature. After taking an early break lead in the decider, she dropped five of the last six games to lose 6-3 6-7(6) 6-3. This is Joint’s first win at any level since June 3, and her first tour-level win since January. And what an opponent to beat.

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