When Williams slipped and had to have her left ankle inspected, her hopes of earning an eighth Wimbledon singles title and equaling Margaret Court’s Grand Slam record of 24 were dashed. In the fifth game, the 39-year-old stumbled on the grass while attempting a forehand. She tried to walk cautiously, wincing in pain, and proceeded to her locker room after losing the game. Williams returned to continue, but her leg buckled during a rally with the score at 3-all, and she crumpled to the ground. Williams, who was crying, bit her upper lip and covered her face in the points. The crowd erupted in applause for the tennis great, but she eventually went to her knees and announced her retirement. With the score at 3-all, 15-30, Williams made her way up to the net to shake hands with Sasnovich. She raised her racket and placed her left hand on her chest, a heartfelt farewell.
Williams’ first-round Grand Slam exit will go down in history as the only one in her career. Check out the post below:
Gut wrenching first set for Serena Williams. Tried to tough it out but clearly couldn’t power through. Hopefully not the end of Serena’s run. #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/6br2drkzVy
— SERVE AND VOLLEY (@Serveandvolley9) June 29, 2021
