Serena Williams was forced to forfeit her first-round match at Wimbledon Tuesday after injuring her right leg
According to CNN, the tennis champion slipped on wet grass, dampened by the earlier rain. She tried to return to play after the slip but was in too much pain.
A devasting blow to Williams, who held a 3-1 lead against Aliaksandra Sasnovich at the time of her tumble.
“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg,” Williams wrote on Instagram. “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.”
Williams was not alone.
French player Adrian Mannarino slipped in almost the exact same spot during his match against Roger Federer and was also forced to tap out.
After the fall and subsequent retirement of both players, the playing conditions at Wimbledon were called into question.
“The preparation of the grass courts has been to exactly the same meticulous standard as in previous years,” the All England Lawn Tennis Club said in a statement to CNN.
“Each grass court is checked by the Grand Slam Supervisors, Referee’s Office and Grounds team ahead of play commencing, and on both days of the Fortnight they have been happy with the conditions and cleared the courts for play.
“The weather conditions on the opening two days have been the wettest we have experienced in almost a decade, which has required the roof to be closed on Centre Court and No.1 Court for long periods. This is at a time when the grass plant is at its most lush and green, which does result in additional moisture on what is a natural surface.”
ShineMyCrown wishes Serena a speedy recovery.
