Serena Williams' Wimbledon comeback sparks record ratings and doubles withdrawal controversy

Serena Williams returned to Wimbledon in 2026 for the first time since the 2022 US Open, entering the singles draw as a wild‑card. She lost in the first round to 20‑year‑old Australian Maya Joint, 3‑6, 7‑6(6), 3‑6, but the match drew a peak audience of 2.1 million viewers, the highest Day 2 Wimbledon rating ever for ESPN and a 55 % overall increase in coverage.

The following day Williams and her sister Venus withdrew from the women's doubles event, citing a tweaked right knee that left her unable to compete. Williams described herself as “heartbroken” about missing the chance to play alongside Venus again.

The withdrawal fueled a social‑media backlash when tournament officials reportedly considered a $50,000 fine for Williams’ failure to attend a mandatory press conference after her singles loss. Former coach Rennae Stubbs publicly defended Williams, explaining the knee injury and swelling treatment, while some users accused her of exploiting “black privilege.”

The series of events has highlighted both the enduring draw of Williams on television and the controversy surrounding her return to the sport.