Serena Williams said she’s “Heartbroken” after another disappointing outing at Wimbledon. Now Wimbledon is facing backlash for putting players in danger.
Many spectators voiced their own criticism of the court’s surface, pointing out that other players such as Novak Djokovic and Coco Gauff had also slipped multiple times during their own matches.
“There’s been more slips in 2 days than in the past 2 years,” one tweeted. “Having played on grass for the past 5years this is something that needs to be addressed & quickly as the players safety are in danger! [sic]”
Serena Williams’ Retirement
The withdrawal was all the more devastating for Williams as many assumed this could potentially be her last run at one of her favorite tournaments.
“I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg,” Williams wrote on Instagram following the match. “My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on centre court so meaningful.”
She added: “Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on – and off – the court meant the world to me.”
Serena Williams’ age: Serena Williams is 39 years of age at the time of writing. She will celebrate her 40th birthday on September 26, making her one of the oldest players on the WTA tour.
Serena Williams reveals when she will retire
Serena Williams retirement started popping up on social media as the former World No. 1 fell on the grass after 20 minutes of play and, after a medical timeout and then falling to the floor in agony once play resumed, she was forced to retire from the match.
´Margaret Court has 24, but why would I want to reach for that when there’s more?´, Serena told Bloomberg Business radio show, Masters in Business.´18 was my first goal because Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova both had 18 grand slams each.
I had 17 at the time and I was like, “I’ve got to get to 18. I’ve got to get to 18. I’ve got to get to 18.” I put so much pressure on myself that I lost three in a row really, really badly, and I couldn’t play.
I talked to my coach and he sat me down and said, “Why are you trying to get to 18? This makes no sense. Everyone puts all of this pressure on you. Your goal should be 30 or 40. Eighteen is such a low goal.”‘ Williams added, talking about how her career goals evolved over time.
On the subject of retirement, Williams said, ´I feel like there is one day, I am going to wake up and I am going to say, “I’m done.” I know that when that will be, but I will know the feeling and I don’t have that feeling yet.
I didn’t have it in the last year, with everything that happened, so when it comes, I’ll know.´
