The roars began even before Serena Williams stepped on Centre Court. Then they grew louder when the 23-time Grand Slam champion arrived to play her first singles match in nearly four years.

And when it was all over and Williams, 44, had performed admirably in a 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 loss to Australia’s Maya Joint in the opening round of Wimbledon with her two daughters cheering her on, Williams smiled as she walked off to a loud round of applause.