Associated Press

Serena Williams’ return to singles at Wimbledon generated an average of 1.8 million viewers on ESPN, peaking at 2.1 million despite occurring on a weekday afternoon in the US. The audience exceeded last year’s men’s semi-final ratings and contributed to ESPN’s highest Day 2 viewership and strongest first-round performance on record. Williams, who lost to Australia’s Maya Joint after returning from a long absence, had also received wild cards for singles and doubles, though her doubles participation with sister Venus remains uncertain.