John McEnroe appeared frustrated by a question from a BBC commentator after Serena Williams' Wimbledon return ended in a first-round defeat.
Williams, a winner of 23 Grand Slams and seven Wimbledon titles, returned to SW19 after accepting two wildcards from the All England Club. Despite showing glimpses of her brilliant former self on Centre Court, she ultimately suffered a 3-6 7-6 3-6 defeat to Australia's Maya Joint.
Joint, 20, had lost 11 games in a row ahead of Wimbledon but withstood a spirited Williams fightback to reach the second round at SW19 for the first time in her career. Williams will hope for a better outcome when she swaps singles for doubles alongside her older sister Venus.
After Williams left Centre Court to a standing ovation, the commentator asked if this was the end of her career, suggesting she would be 45 if she returned to Wimbledon next year. McEnroe responded by saying he didn't know and that the question was unanswerable.
The commentator then directed his line of questioning to fellow American tennis great Tracy Austin. Austin appeared reluctant to delve into Williams' future in the sport, instead choosing to celebrate her shock return as well as a much-needed win for struggling Joint.
McEnroe had earlier dismissed claims that Williams was 'taking a risk' by agreeing to return to Wimbledon. He stated that there was 'no risk' for Williams, who is widely regarded as the greatest female tennis player of all time.
The iconic Williams sisters will team up for Wimbledon doubles action on Thursday against Argentina's Solana Sierra and Colombia's Camila Osorio.
Williams opted out of media duties after her first-round singles defeat but provided a brief statement to the press, saying she had enjoyed her return to Wimbledon and was grateful for the opportunity to compete.
Joint will face Alexandra Eala in the second round of Wimbledon after ending a 11-game losing streak. In an on-court interview, Joint expressed her shock and gratitude at having played on Centre Court and having beaten a legend like Williams.
