The 44-year-old had to wait to step onto Wimbledon's centre court - German Alexander Zverev needed almost three hours to beat debutant Alexander Blockx of Belgium - but she immediately received the support of the crowd.
But the American failed to meet the spectators' expectations.
She lost the first set 3-6, and although she managed to raise her game a bit, it was a defeat, which means that the legend has finished playing in the singles tournament.
The match ended with the set scores 3-6, 7-6(8-6), 3-6.
Maja Joint, 53rd in the world rankings, has reached the second round for the first time and will next face Alexandra Eala from the Philippines.
She (Williams) has such an aura, she is such a legend. So many great players have played on this court, I have dreamed of this moment since I was a little kid, so this is pretty crazy, said Joint after the victory.
23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams, who received a wildcard into the singles tournament, also played doubles with her sister Venus.
