London: Serena Williams walked out of Wimbledon in tears on Tuesday after her latest bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in injury.
The American sixth seed and seven-times Wimbledon winner was facing unseeded Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich.
The 39-year-old American, who wore strapping on her right thigh from the start of the match, led 3-1 but slipped twice and it was immediately obvious she was in serious pain. Williams, who was trying to equal Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 grand slam titles, had the trainer out and tried to play on. With the score at 3-3, she called it a day. “I’m so sad for Serena,” Sasnovich said. “She’s a great champion, This happens sometimes in tennis.”
Poise and grace in the most trying of circumstances.#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/6O6dvpReXi
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 29, 2021
We're heartbroken for you, Serena.
Our seven-time singles champion is forced to retire from The Championships 2021 through injury#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/vpcW1UN78s
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 29, 2021
Seven-time @Wimbledon champion @serenawilliams ended her 2021 campaign after just six-and-a-half games on Centre Court 💔
— wta (@WTA) June 29, 2021
A standing ovation for the 23-time Grand Slam champ.
Wishing @serenawilliams a speedy recovery ❤️#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/8RgYB36Yea
— wta (@WTA) June 29, 2021
