Patrick Mouratoglou rates Serena Williams level after her first-round loss in singles at Wimbledon, ‘don’t be mistaken’

What was the biggest shock from the first round of Wimbledon this year?

Plenty to choose from…

The 44-year-old, who had received a wildcard for the event, came close to securing a triumphant return to the All England Club, having gone a break up in the decisive third set.

But Joint denied the legend a first singles win in nearly four years to clinch just her fourth win of the season, in what has been a largely disappointing campaign for the young Australian.

Considering the complete lack of singles matchplay heading into the tournament, Williams‘ old coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, was impressed with her display on Centre Court.

Patrick Mouratoglou reacts to Serena Williams’ first-round defeat

“Don’t be mistaken, Serena’s match was a very high-level match,” said Mouratoglou in a post on Instagram.

“Her opponent might not be top 20, but she played top 20 in the world. First of all, I think Serena was impressive. She’s 44 years old.

“She hasn’t played a single match for four years. She has two kids and she plays that level from the first moment she plays. That’s unbelievable.

Second, the girl she played, it’s a bad year for her. But in that match, she was able to play at her best level.

What is your favorite memory of Serena Williams?

She’s back trying to make more memories…

I think it took Serena, I would say a set and a half to really be into the match. She didn’t play a match for four years, so it’s normal.

After a set and a half, we saw the level she’s able to play now. Halfway through the third set, she started to get tired. She couldn’t keep the same quality until the end.

But what did we learn? She can play at the highest level for sure. What does she need? To improve a few things, and then she’ll be back. So for me, only good news for the future.”

Serena Williams’ first doubles match at Wimbledon 2026

Following the conclusion of her singles run, Williams will now set her sights on doubles at Wimbledon 2026, where she’ll play alongside her older sister, Venus.

The two greats, who have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, will take on the duo of Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio.

But after picking up a knee injury in her match with Joint, Williams is in a race to be fit for the doubles tournament.

The Williams sisters have won the Wimbledon doubles title six times, with their last triumph coming in 2016.