In a gripping three-hour encounter, the seven-time champion’s comeback ends in a narrow defeat to debutant Tan.

Serena Williams’ highly anticipated return to Wimbledon ended in heartache as she was defeated by French qualifier Harmony Tan in a thrilling, marathon encounter. After a year away from singles action, Williams pushed through an emotional and intense three-hour battle, only to fall 7-5 1-6 7-6 (10-7) in a tie-break after an unforgettable match on Centre Court.

A year ago, Williams’ Wimbledon campaign ended abruptly in the first round when she was forced to retire after a fall on the same hallowed court. This time, however, she appeared determined to make a statement. Despite the absence of regular match play, having partnered with Ons Jabeur in doubles at Eastbourne, the American champion found herself tested right from the start. Williams was broken early, but quickly settled into her rhythm and clawed her way back into the contest. She looked poised to take control when she broke Tan’s serve to lead 4-2 in the opening set.

However, Tan, who was playing in her first-ever main-draw Wimbledon match, wasn’t intimidated. She responded with a break back and managed to serve out the set 7-5, despite facing a break point in the final game. It was a critical turning point, and from that moment, it was clear that Williams’ road to victory was going to be a lot harder than expected.

In the second set, the match took on an increasingly dramatic tone. Williams appeared to have the upper hand, especially after a staggering 20-minute, 12-deuce game where she finally converted a break point to lead 3-2. From there, she surged to a 5-0 lead, and though Tan managed to avoid a “bagel,” the American levelled the match with a 6-1 scoreline, much to the crowd’s relief.

But the third set would prove to be the true test of endurance. Williams broke early, but Tan quickly restored parity. As the match entered its final stages, the drama intensified. With both players visibly exhausted, the momentum shifted back and forth. Tan saved a match point at 5-4 down, and the tension in the air was palpable as the match teetered on a knife-edge.

A tie-break ensued, and Williams, with her experience and champion’s mentality, led 4-0. But it was clear that her energy reserves were running low. The unforced errors started to creep in, and Tan capitalised on this, reeling off five consecutive points to win the match. With a brilliant forehand winner, Tan sealed her victory and completed an improbable upset on one of tennis’ biggest stages.

For Williams, the result raises questions about what the future holds. If this is indeed her final Wimbledon appearance, she will leave with her head held high, having given everything in a match that had the Centre Court crowd on the edge of their seats. It was not the fairytale ending she may have hoped for, but the 40-year-old American showed she still has the fight that has earned her seven Wimbledon titles.

“I’ve always kept that [retirement] in the back of my mind,” Williams said, reflecting on her forced withdrawal from last year’s tournament. “But I’m here and still playing with all my heart.”

Though this defeat may be a setback, Williams’ legacy remains firmly intact. Whether she chooses to continue or this marks her Wimbledon swansong, her return to the court showed she still possesses the fierce determination that has defined her remarkable career.