Williams bows out, gracefully.

Words Sarah Adama

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The seven-time Wimbledon champion Serena Williams has been forced to concede her first-round match at the All England club against Aliaksandra Sasnovich after sustaining an ankle injury from the slick surface. 

She built a 3-1 lead in the first set against her opponent when she first slipped and left the court to receive medical attention. With the match tied at 3-3, Serena seemed to buckle at midpoint and this time walked off the court in tears. Of course, there was nothing less than a standing ovation from heartbroken fans for the 23-time grand slam champion as she departed with grace and poise. 

One of the sport’s favourites, Serena was many people’s choice in what was considered one of the most open women’s grand slam tournament draws. This year’s Championships was described as the one that would “make or break her career”, yet we are reminded of her resilient character and ability to bounce back.

Williams was aiming to win her 24th grand slam title and this is her first-ever round loss at Wimbledon. "I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," she expressed in an  Instagram post. 

“My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on centre court so meaningful.”

Tennis lovers have shifted attention to the conditions of the centre court as Serena’s injury followed a knee injury to Frenchman Adrian Mannarino.  

“Brutal for @serenawilliams but centre court is extremely slippy out there. Not easy to move out there," tweeted British tennis star, Andy Murray.

In the words of a true champion, “I really think a champion is defined not by their wins, but by how they can recover when they fall.” 

It’s hard to see her bow out like this but she has done it with so much grace and poise.

 Until next year Serena. We’re rooting for you.