There was a sense of history around the All England Club on day two of Wimbledon as one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen made an unexpected return to Centre Court. While it was not the fairytale ending many had hoped for, the sight of Serena Williams competing once again at SW19 was a reminder of the impact she has had on tennis for more than two decades.
Elsewhere, Matteo Berrettini paid tribute to fellow veteran Stan Wawrinka in what is expected to be the Swiss star’s final Wimbledon appearance, while defending women’s champion Iga Swiatek overcame a stern first-round examination to keep her title defence alive. Here, QualityShot tennis journalist Ben Phillips looks into day two’s action and analyses what could be the final Wimbledon singles appearance for the greatest player ever.
Serena Williams Rolls Back the Years
At 44 years old, Serena Williams returned to Wimbledon for what could well be her final appearance on Centre Court, taking on Australia’s Maya Joint in one of the most anticipated opening-round matches in recent memory.
Despite ultimately falling 6-3, 6-7, 6-3, Williams reminded everyone why she is regarded as one of the greatest competitors in sporting history.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion and 23-time Grand Slam singles winner found herself up against a player 24 years her junior, but there were long spells where that age gap simply disappeared. Williams produced trademark power from the baseline, fought relentlessly to claim the second set in a tiebreak and had the Centre Court crowd roaring every time she found another winner.
Joint, however, showed maturity well beyond her years. The Australian never allowed the occasion to overwhelm her, remaining composed after losing the second set before breaking early in the decider and holding her nerve to complete one of the biggest victories of her career.
Although defeat marked the end of Williams’ tournament, the standing ovation she received spoke volumes. Whether or not she returns to Centre Court again, her legacy at Wimbledon is already untouchable. Seven titles, countless iconic moments and an influence on generations of players ensure that Serena’s name will forever be synonymous with the Championships.
Berrettini and Wawrinka deliver a classic farewell
If Serena’s return was emotional, then Stan Wawrinka’s farewell was equally poignant.
The three-time Grand Slam champion is widely expected to have played his final Wimbledon match, and fittingly it came against former finalist Matteo Berrettini in a contest decided by the finest of margins.
Berrettini eventually prevailed 6-7, 7-6, 7-6, 7-6 after over three hours of outstanding shot-making, with all four sets requiring either a tiebreak or extended pressure moments. Both men protected their serves superbly throughout the afternoon, making every point feel significant.
Before a ball had even been struck, Berrettini demonstrated the immense respect he has for Wawrinka. Rather than taking the traditional order onto court, the Italian allowed the Swiss veteran to walk out second, ensuring he received the loudest ovation from the Wimbledon crowd in what is likely to be his final appearance at the tournament.
It was a gesture appreciated by everyone inside the stadium and highlighted the admiration Wawrinka commands among his fellow professionals.
The defining moment arrived in the second-set tiebreak. Having already surrendered the opening set, Berrettini found himself locked in an extraordinary battle before eventually edging it 18-16, a sequence that completely shifted the momentum of the match.
Speaking after the victory, Berrettini reflected on just how much those moments mean to him.
“These moments and these matches are the reason why I play tennis.”
It was a fitting response after producing some of his very best tennis under immense pressure. While Wawrinka exits Wimbledon with his head held high after another courageous display, Berrettini once again showed he possesses the grass-court game capable of troubling anyone in the draw.
Swiatek shows champion’s heart
Defending champion Iga Swiatek began her title defence on Centre Court with a dramatic three-set victory, overcoming a spirited challenge to win 6-1, 2-6, 6-3.
After racing through the opening set in commanding fashion, it appeared the reigning champion was heading for a routine afternoon. Instead, her opponent responded brilliantly, matching Swiatek from the baseline and forcing errors that rarely appear in the Pole’s game.
The second set swung completely in the challenger’s favour, leaving the Centre Court crowd wondering whether one of the tournament favourites could become an early casualty.
Champions, however, find ways to win.
Swiatek steadied herself in the deciding set, rediscovered her first serve and began dictating rallies once again. While it was far from her cleanest performance, it demonstrated the resilience that has helped her collect six Grand Slam titles.
The emotion of the occasion became clear immediately after match point. Swiatek was visibly in tears as she embraced the moment, a reminder of the pressure that comes with returning as defending Wimbledon champion.
Winning the title twelve months ago transformed her relationship with grass-court tennis, but defending it brings a completely different challenge. Judging by her emotional reaction, simply finding a way through the opening hurdle meant everything.
Wimbledon delivers another memorable day
Day two perfectly showcased what makes Wimbledon so unique.
One legend returned to Centre Court for what may be the final time, another likely said goodbye after years of unforgettable memories, and the reigning women’s champion survived a genuine scare to continue her pursuit of another title.
Serena Williams proved that age cannot diminish greatness, Wawrinka reminded everyone of the fighting spirit that made him a three-time Grand Slam champion, and Berrettini underlined why he remains one of the most dangerous players on grass when healthy.
Meanwhile, Swiatek once again demonstrated that champions do not always need to play their best tennis to keep winning.
With the opening rounds now well underway, the Championships are already producing the emotion, drama and unforgettable moments that make Wimbledon one of the highlights of the sporting calendar.
Looking ahead to day 3
The star power continues on Wednesday as men’s defending champion Jannik Sinner returns to Centre Court looking to build on his hard-fought opening-round victory. Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic is also back in action after being pushed harder than expected in his first match and will be aiming for a more comfortable passage into the third round.
On the women’s side, world number one Aryna Sabalenka gets back on court as one of the tournament favourites. With the opening rounds already delivering major storylines and several difficult tests for the leading names, day three promises another fascinating chapter at the All England Club.
