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via Reuters

via Reuters

23-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 Serena Williams saw a devastating end to her Wimbledon Championships 2021 campaign. At 3-3 in the first set, she injured her right leg, and it was all over for her. Tennis legend and 18-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert opened up on Serena’s situation after her loss.

Notably, the 39-year-old slipped and tried to balance and all the pressure came on her right leg. As a result, she fell on her knees and then broke down in tears, sensing the end. On the other side, the entire Centre Court went silent in disbelief.

via Reuters

It was the first-ever first-round loss for Serena in her 20 Wimbledon appearances. More importantly, Evert expressed that it might have been her “best hope” to win her long-awaited 24th Grand Slam title.

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Read More: ?Terrible?: Roger Federer, Andy Murray, and Others Empathize With Serena Williams Over Slippery Conditions at Wimbledon Championships 2021

Legend Chris Evert on Serena Williams’ withdrawal from Wimbledon

Prominently, the American legend explained how Serena would have benefitted from the draw. Evert even emphasized Wimbledon 2021 as Serena’s most genuine chance to win another Grand Slam.

“A tournament she has won seven times, she knows in the back of her mind that there are no better, more accomplished, more experienced grass-court players in this draw but her. This is her best hope,” Evert said.

via Reuters

Furthermore, the three-time Wimbledon winner expressed hope that Serena might come back and win the US Open 2021. But Evert also added that a loss of such manner would have heavily disappointed Serena.

“I cannot believe how bitterly disappointed she is going to feel, and her family, her fans,” Evert added. Following that, Chris acclaimed Serena as the greatest of all time, even if she fails to add another major title.

“To me, her legacy is already sealed. If she never wins another Grand Slam, if she never matches Margaret Court, [it] doesn’t matter. She’s still the greatest,” Evert concluded. On this, Lord Drysdale also gave his seal of approval.

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Also Read: ?Meant the World to Me?: Serena Williams Pens Heartfelt Message After Wimbledon Championships 2021 Retirement

Tennis-wise, Serena will want to use this time to recover and get ready for the last Slam of the year in New York that will happen in two months. Since she has already pulled out from Tokyo Olympics, she will get extra time to recover.

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Hopefully, the injury is not severe, and fans will see Serena roar again on the tennis courts soon.?Do you think Serena will return to Wimbledon next year?

Watch this story: Serena Williams And Venus Williams Best Moments at the Wimbledon Championships