When the Wimbledon draw was out on Friday, all fans were looking forward to one particular match. Yes, it included the five-time Wimbledon champion, Venus Williams taking on the Ukrainian star Elina Svitolina. The UK rain delayed the start of the match but the fans made their presence felt at the Centre Court.
After a fairly comfortable win for defending champion Novak Djokovic, Venus and Svitolina arrived at the Centre Court. Queen Vee started the match on fire by winning the first two games but a nasty fall ruined all her momentum. More than the result of the match, fans were worried about the severity of the fall, and rightfully so.
Twitterati reacts to Venus Williams’ slip
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It was as early as the third game of the match when the incident took place. Williams was approaching the net to complete a volley but lost her balance. She let out a loud shriek and the fans had a heart-in-mouth moment.
Venus Williams went down on the court after slipping near the net.
She returned to play after taking an injury timeout. pic.twitter.com/h3zXL7Evc1
— ESPN (@espn) July 3, 2023
The fan reactions saw a wide range of responses. An annoyed Venus fan was furious at Svitolina’s ‘luck’.
https://twitter.com/RezzaTezza/status/1675921000272207872?s=20
Another Williams accepted that it was going to be her last match at the Centre Court. He felt miserable for missing out on the action.
The fact that I am working and not at home watching the iconic Venus Ebony Starr Williams’ potential final match on Centre Court is a crime. I can handle it. But I will not stand for it. #Wimbledon https://t.co/P7m3SGUsTj
— Pageybibi 🇺🇦 (@TheBravoDerm) July 3, 2023
Venus fans have suffered a lot when it comes to injuries at the majors. A fan hoped for an injury-free slam for the American.
I just want Venus to finish a major without injuries they have plagued her career. Horrible https://t.co/K5FT3ltz73
— Leroy Butler HoF 2022 ~ Knicks (8-6) (@DrowningHipster) July 3, 2023
Fans were also hoping that Williams could call it a day and end her suffering.
💔 Some Times When You have a Legacy That's Filled With Great Moments. Its time to walk away. #FatherTimeIsUndefeated https://t.co/2DhsQqAs92
— Lequinte L. Long (@Longrev4) July 3, 2023
Venus was also criticized for playing through the pain.
She was injured and not moving well BEFORE this. What is she thinking?
— just net (@justnnet) July 3, 2023
While some fans criticized her recklessness, some also acknowledged her fighting spirit.
Tough as they come . That woman is something https://t.co/sDXgHAq027
— Ci’Evil Spirit (@Adexpac) July 3, 2023
One of the Twitter users brought up an old clip of Bethanie Mattek-Sands’ injury at the Wimbledon.
well at least it’s not this bad 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/LxTHgVjU1n
— Vic 🟦👍🏼 | #IStandWithJenson (@limuzinaxd) July 3, 2023
Finally, someone also brought up Serena Williams‘ fall at the 2021 Wimbledon.
This happened almost on the same day a couple of years ago when Serena Williams also went down to a leg injury at Wimbledon. https://t.co/SwLkwd452f
— Sameer (@TheSameerMalla) July 3, 2023
But, what exactly happened with Serena Williams that scarred the fans?
Serena Williams’ scary slip at 2021’s Wimbledon
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The younger sister, Serena Williams suffered a similar fate at Wimbledon in 2021. In fact, it was worse for her as she could not continue halfway into the opening set. She injured her ankle and did not for the remainder of the year.
The fans could not believe it. They were eagerly waiting for Serena Williams’ Wimbledon campaign but it had to end this way. She came back at next year’s Wimbledon where she suffered a final set tiebreak defeat to Harmony Tan.
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Do you think we have seen the last of Venus Williams at the Centre Court? Let us know in the comments.
WATCH THIS STORY:??She?s Not Embarrassed? ? Regardless of Results, 43-Year-Old Venus Williams? Burning Desire to Compete Is a Life Lesson in Self-Confidence, Claims Tennis Expert