Cinema.
It's a phrase too often used, but that is exactly what the opening round match of Serena Williams vs. Maya Joint at Wimbledon was - must-see.
It was the kind of drama we all love about sports in its purest form - storylines galore, the unexplainable, and the unimaginable before you. A contest so rich and gripped with fascinating qualities and intangibles that it is uncapturable in words and photos, other than - you had to see it live.
Cinema.
I sat there for the duration of this match, in pure awe of the comeback of Serena Williams. At 44, returning to the court on the game's biggest stage after four years of retirement. A mom, before her kids, husband, and family, but more so her fans, all willing her on for yet another win.
At 44 years of age, what do we expect? The truth is, not much, but the essence of the beauty lies in the effort. The triumph is not in the matter of victory, but in the level of competitiveness. She still got it.
And there was Maya Joint.
A 20-year-old Australian who idolized Serena Williams. Now sharing the court with her and amid this comeback story, with a crowd here for the legend, the story, and hoping Williams' triumph is at her expense.
Joint weathered that match with grit and fire. Overcoming and winning over a crowd that was there for Williams by the end of it, that mirrored a scene out of Rocky IV.
She put down her idol and defeated the giant shadows with it. Doing so, making a statement for herself and course-correcting what has been a tumultuous 2026.
Again, cinema.
I loved everything about this match. The entire thing felt like a collective moment.
Sport in its purest, most beautiful form.