“After the handshake she blocked me on Instagram”: Serena Williams’ Wimbledon 2022 opponent recalls post-match surprise

Wednesday, 01 July 2026 at 19:00

The 2022 Wimbledon meeting between Harmony Tan and Serena Williams has returned to public discussion following a new off-court revelation from the French player. Tan has claimed that, four years after their first-round encounter, she discovered she had been blocked by Williams on Instagram.

The disclosure adds an unexpected postscript to a match that already carried historical weight. The 23-time Grand Slam champion was in what appeared to be her final appearance at the All England Club in 2022, while Tan was making her Wimbledon main draw debut.

Their encounter ended in one of the notable early-round shocks of that tournament, with Tan prevailing in a three-set battle that lasted more than three hours. At that stage, it was Williams’ final appearance at Wimbledon, as she was preparing her retirement in the months that followed at the US Open.

Following the American’s return to SW19 four years after the duel against Tan, the 28-year-old French player shared on her social networks the unusual situation of Williams blocking her on social media.

Wimbledon 2022 match and its context

The first-round match at Wimbledon 2022 remains the central sporting reference point linking both players. Tan, then largely outside the top tier of the women’s game, took the opening set 7-5 after more than an hour of play, immediately signalling a competitive contest rather than a ceremonial appearance for Williams.

Williams responded strongly in the second set, dominating 6-1 and restoring control of baseline exchanges. However, the match shifted again in a decisive third set defined by fluctuating momentum and missed opportunities on both sides.

Tan later explained that she found herself in a survival situation after Williams failed to close out key moments, including a chance to serve for the match. The contest eventually moved into a match tie-break, where the French player recovered from an early 0-4 deficit to secure victory.

"After the handshake she blocked me"

The controversy emerged after Tan, now ranked world No. 200, revisited Williams’ profile on social media following the American’s return to competitive tennis activity. She found that she could no longer access the account.

According to Tan, the explanation became clear when she realised she had been blocked. She later shared a screenshot on Instagram illustrating the restricted access, framing it as a surprising discovery given the lack of any known dispute between them.

The French player summarised her reaction in a brief message posted online, which has since circulated widely across tennis discussions. “So 4 years ago after the handshake she blocked me also on Instagram btw”

If you care, the last woman to beat Serena Williams at Wimbledon, Harmony Tan, is over on her instagram story saying that she was blocked by the 23 time major champion after their match 4 years ago. pic.twitter.com/2DggdEfolj
— Myles David (@TunedIntoTennis) June 30, 2026

Williams’ return to Wimbledon

The discussion around Tan’s comments has coincided with renewed attention on Williams’ brief return to competitive tennis. The American recently re-entered competition at Queen’s Club with Victoria Mboko and later at the Berlin Ladies Open with Karolina Muchova.

Both events were framed as preparation for her return to Wimbledon, which was eventually confirmed a week before the start of the main draw of the tournament. The 7-time Wimbledon champion received a wildcard for both singles and doubles, alongside her sister Venus Williams, marking Serena Williams’ return to SW19 at 44 years of age.

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The debut was not entirely positive, as she exited in the first round against 20-year-old Maya Joint. In a highly competitive match, Williams managed to take a set but it was not enough to secure the win. It was her first match in singles in nearly four years and ended in a 3-6, 7-6(6), 6-3 defeat.

Another appearance remains for Serena at the All England Club, in the doubles draw alongside her sister Venus. The pair—14-time Grand Slam champions together in doubles—were drawn against South Americans Solana Sierra and Camila Osorio. However, recent reports suggest a possible withdrawal due to a knee injury.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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