New Delhi, July 1 -- Serena Williams' much-awaited return to the Wimbledon championships was short-lived after she suffered a first-round loss to Maya Joint at the All England Club on Tuesday.

The 44-year-old suffered a 6-3, 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 defeat to the Australian, who is ranked 87th in the world. Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam winner, became the second-oldest player to feature in the women's singles category at Wimbledon in the Open era.

Martina Navratilova, who was 47 years old when she reached the second round in 2004, is the oldest player to do so.

Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, competed gamely.

"It was really great to be back at Wimbledon. I never expected to be here," said Williams in a short statement released after...