Serena Williams fightback falls short as she is beaten on Wimbledon comeback

Serena Williams following defeat in her Ladies' Singles match against Maya Joint. Pic: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire.

Serena Williams gave Centre Court reason to dream but a winning return to grand slam tennis ultimately proved beyond her.

Nearly four years after “evolving away” from the sport and having dithered until almost the last moment over whether to take a wild card, the 44-year-old entered the great arena to a standing ovation.