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“Meant the World to Me”: Serena Williams Pens Heartfelt Message After Wimbledon Championships 2021 Retirement
Millions of hearts sank as they watched Serena Williams on her knees at the Centre Court, broken down in tears. A few moments later, the tennis queen called off her Wimbledon Championships 2021 campaign, silencing the crowd. However, once reality kicked in, they gave her roaring applause as she left the court, leaving the score at 3-3 in the first set.
Inarguably, it is one of the hardest things to go through in sport. Serena, who blasted off the first three games, and fans worldwide did not see this coming. Now, the record seven-time Wimbledon champion wrote a heartfelt message to the fans, expressing her turmoil.
“The court meant the world to me”: Serena Williams after retiring from Wimbledon R1
The 39-year-old came into the tournament with eyes on record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title. However, Serena and tennis fans might have to wait a while to see that now. Nevertheless, it is more difficult to accept a loss due to an injury.
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – June 29, 2021 Serena Williams of the U.S. reacts after sustaining an injury before retiring from her first round match against Belarus’ Aliaksandra Sasnovich REUTERS/Peter Nicholls
In her Instagram post, Serena expressed her pain and feelings for the Centre Court. It is the court that gave her more success than any other Grand Slam tournament.
“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg,” Serena wrote. “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.”
Until now, there is no information on the extent of her injury. But from the looks of how she left the court, it felt painful.
Furthermore, Serena would not be playing at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. Thus, she might use this time to recover speedily.
Watch this story: “Terrible”: Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Others Empathize With Serena Williams Over Slippery Conditions at Wimbledon Championships 2021
What’s next for Serena?
Notably, it was the first time in her 20 Wimbledon appearances that Serena had to go in the first round. Also, it brings up a stinging question: Will Serena return to the Championships next year?
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 Pool via REUTERS/Jed Leicester
There is no doubt that the 23-time Grand Slam champion will return stronger than ever. Now, she would put all her energy into winning the most-awaited #24 Slam on home turf at the US Open.
Above all, fans never want Serena to stop playing and she does not want to either. Hopefully, she will be back on the court in no time. Speedy recovery, Serena!
Watch this story: Serena Williams And Venus Williams Best Moments at the Wimbledon Championships
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