During Day Two of The Championships – Wimbledon 2021, Serena Williams of the United States reacts as she winces in discomfort in her Ladies’ Singles First Round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich of Belarus. Getty Images/Jed Leicester Getty Images/Sport Serena Williams’ pursuit for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon ended in tears when she was forced to withdraw from her first-round match against Aliaksandra Sasnovich due to an ankle injury. The 39-year-old had broken to lead 3-1 against her Belarusian opponent when she injured her left ankle seriously. She has seven Wimbledon singles titles to her name. Williams, whose right thigh was already severely bandaged, was forced to leave the court for a medical time-out when world No 100 Sasnovich broke straight back, and when she made her way back onto Centre Court in an attempt to compete, the tears were visible as she could barely walk. Sasnovich tied the game at 3-3, but another slip by Williams left her laying on the ground, and she was assisted to her feet by the chair umpire, prompting gasps from the crowd. Williams’ retirement was confirmed. Williams’ injury-plagued departure came after Adrian Mannarino was pulled off the court during his match against Roger Federer due to a knee ailment. Since the 2017 Australian Open, Williams has won 23 Grand Slam titles, yet her past two journeys at Wimbledon have resulted in finals. After losing to Simona Halep in 2019 and Angelique Kerber in 2018, sixth seed Williams came to the tournament with the goal of tying Margaret Court’s record, but she was left devastated and issued a statement on her Instagram page. Williams remarked, “I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg.” “My heartfelt gratitude and love go out to the fans and crew who make being on Centre Court so special. It meant the world to me to feel the incredible warmth and support of the fans as I walked on – and off – the court.” Continue reading
