WATCH: Serena Williams Breaks down After Leg Injury Forced her to Retire From Wimbledon Championships 2021

The Center-court at Wimbledon continues to be haunt top players as there were frequent falls faced by several stars like Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Serena Williams recently. In her first-round matchup against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, the legendary American retired midway after struggling initially with her movement.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich REUTERS/Peter Nicholls

The American was a break up in the first set before taking a medical timeout. Even though she did make a comeback to the court after a few minutes and hit typical forehand winners, she was in tears during her serve as she couldn’t move.

Serena Williams forced off court for an injury timeout after five games in her Wimbledon round one clash against Sasnovich. Was 3-1 up with a break but not moving right. Worrying times.

— George Bellshaw (@BellshawGeorge) June 29, 2021

Serena Williams was forced to retire from her first-round match at Wimbledon

Unable to reach to a shot by the Belarusian, Serena Williams just fell on the court and was drenched with sadness as she waved good-bye to the crowd. The veteran player was so emotional as she left the court in tears.

Serena Williams is in tears as she serves at 3-3.

She falls again, and retires.

She is in floods of tears as she waves to the crowd.

This absolutely cannot be how her #Wimbledon career ends. It can’t. She HAS to come back.

She has to. pic.twitter.com/FQiRgemkda

— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) June 29, 2021

It was unfortunate to see a champion playing the sport for sheer passion and putting her best efforts to fight day in and day out.

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

In a career spanning over two decades, Serena Williams won every known title in the sport and was an inspiration to many other grand slam champions. In her pursuit of winning the 24th major title, the American reached the finals four times since winning her last major title at the 2017 Australian Open.

Whenever she played the finals of a grand slam in recent years, the burden of winning another major title was evident in her game play as she made unusual errors and even hit a lot of double-faults under pressure.

Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 27, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. during a press conference Pool via REUTERS/Florian Eisele

Even this year, the American lost to Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals at the Australian Open and was defeated by Elena Rybakina in the fourth round of French Open. Before the start of Wimbledon, Serena Williams didn’t play any grass-court tournament.

The lack of match practice might be one of the reasons for her shocking retirement today. Serena Williams couldn’t adjust to the surface as quickly as she used to do and struggled with her movement even after leading her opponent 3-1 in the first set.

All the hopes were now on the US Open as the former world number one decided to stay out of the Tokyo Olympics.

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