On Tuesday, Serena Williams, a seven-time Wimbledon champion, had to withdraw from her first-round match at the All England Club against Aliaksandra Sasnovich due to sustained in the opening set. While leading 3-1 in the first set, the 39-year-old American seemed to slip and injure herself while making a return.

She left the court to seek medical assistance. Upon her return, with the match leveled at 3-3, Williams struggled at the baseline before reluctantly walking off the court in tears, acknowledging the fans as she departed.

In an Instagram post, Serena Williams expressed her disappointment over having to withdraw due to injuring her right leg. She conveyed her appreciation and affection for the fans and her team, emphasizing the significance of being on center court. Williams also mentioned how deeply touched she was by the overwhelming warmth and support from the crowd as she entered and exited the court, noting that it meant the world to her.

The tennis icon, who had been vying for a record-tying 24th grand-slam title, acknowledged that the forfeit marked her first-ever first-round loss at Wimbledon. British tennis star Andy Murray tweeted sympathetically, describing the conditions on center court as extremely slippery and acknowledging the challenge of moving on the surface.

Williams had been aiming to secure a record-tying 24th grand-slam title, and her withdrawal marked her first-ever first-round loss at Wimbledon. Prior to Tuesday’s match, the American tennis star had an impressive 19-0 record in first-round matches at the prestigious tournament. Belarussian player Sasnovich expressed her sentiments on court after the match, as reported by the Wimbledon website, stating, “It was such a nice atmosphere here, my first time on Centre Court. Thank you everyone, but I am so sad for Serena. She’s a great champion, but this happens sometimes in tennis. I wish all the best for her, and a good recovery.” She further expressed her appreciation for grass courts, England, English people, and the supportive public, pledging to give her best efforts to satisfy them.