Serena Williams is set to make her long-awaited comeback at Wimbledon a year after her last match in any competition. Photo: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images
Watch: Tearful Serena Williams retires from Wimbledon due to injury
Serena Williams’ bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in tears as she limped out of the court in the first round.
Serena Williams is set to make her long-awaited comeback at Wimbledon a year after her last match in any competition. Photo: CHRISTOPHE ARCHAMBAULT/AFP via Getty Images
Serena Williams‘ bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam singles crown ended in tears as she limped out of the court in the first round on Tuesday.
The Tennis great entered the Centre Court against Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich with a heavily strapped thigh.
And Williams needed medical assistance soon after going 3-2 up, and after a lengthy break, she returned to continue with the set.
However, she was clearly in pain, and at 3-3, Williams couldn’t take it any longer as she kneeled before being escourted off the court.
Williams, 39, had never gone out in the first round of the Wimbledon in her 19 previous visits.
READ | ROGER FEDERER AND SERENA WILLIAMS PRIMED FOR WIMBLEDON OPENERS ON SUPER TUESDAY
Wiiams said she was heartbroken to have withdrawn from Wimbledon, before thanking her fans for their undying support.
“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg,” Williams wrote on her Instagram.
“My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on centre court so meaningful.
“Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on – and off – the court meant the world to me,” added Williams.
