Wimbledon tennis - 'Heartbroken' Serena Williams speaks out after being forced to retire from first round match

ByCoral Barry

Updated 01/07/2021 at 11:00 GMT

Serena Williams say she is 'heartbroken' after injury forced her to bow out of Wimbledon. The American was up against Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Tuesday in her first-round match, but had to retire due to an injury. "I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," she said. Watch daily evening highlights of all the best action from Wimbledon on Eurosport 1.

Serena Williams said she was 'heartbroken' to be forced to withdraw from the first round of her Wimbledon clash.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion had strapping on her left ankle and right thigh when she took on Aliaksandra Sasnovich on Centre Court, but it quickly became evident the American was unable to perform.

After consulting with her trainer and collapsing on her knees, a tearful Williams through in the towel.

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Williams released a statement after the match, admitting she was devastated to bow out of Wimbledon.

"I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," she said.

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."

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Williams was the second player on Tuesday to fall foul of an injury during a match.

Adrian Mannarino was forced to retire from his clash with Roger Federer at the start of the fifth set.

With the match tied at two sets apiece and Mannarino looking on course for a big upset, a slip from the Frenchman caused him to fall awkwardly.

Serena Williams was in pain during the match

Image credit: Getty Images

Mannarino couldn't continue and Federer said it was awful to see an opponent forced to go off injured after a slip.

"It is awful and shows one shot can change the outcome of a match, season, career and I wish him all the best and hope we see him back quickly” Federer said.

He later added: "This is obviously terrible that it's back-to-back matches and it hits Serena as well. Oh my God, I can't believe it."

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