'So sad': Tennis fans gutted over Venus and Serena Williams twist
If you're a fan of the Williams sisters, you've had a pretty rough time at Wimbledon.
Venus Williams followed Serena out the exit door on Wednesday in a brutal 7-5 6-0 defeat to Ons Jabeur.
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Aged 41 and playing in her 90th grand slam tournament, Venus pushed the Tunisian 21st seed in the opening set before eventually succumbing in the second.
Venus' loss came less than 24 hours after sister Serena was forced to retire hurt during her first-round match on Tuesday when she slipped and injured her leg.
Incredibly, it marks the first time ever that at least one of the Williams sisters has failed to reach the third round at Wimbledon.
That record stretched all the way back to when Serena made her debut at the tournament 23 years ago in 1998.
Serena's shock exit was her first in the opening round at the All England Club in 20 appearances.
Fans were left gutted on Wednesday after watching Serena and Venus eliminated on back-to-back days in what could be the last time they both play the event together.
Incredible. They will be missed and will always be remembered fondly when they are done.
— Diane Feeney (@DianeFeeney330) June 30, 2021
This is the first Wimbledon since 1997 without Venus or Serena in the 3rd round. What in the fresh hell
— Mr. Summer (@R0ckTheMike) June 30, 2021
Both Venus and Serena out before the 3rd round of Wimbledon for the first time since 1997 😳 What were you doing 24 years ago? #Legends https://t.co/5evdCbAZ8C
— Ryan Davis 🤘🏻 (@ShinerRyan) June 30, 2021
Hi Rennae. So very sad for Serena, to get injured.😢I think this is the last time, we will see Venus, and Serena, at Wimbledon.
— Alison Merritt (@merritt_alison) June 29, 2021
5-7 0-3 Venus Williams.
Sad. 😭#Wimbledon #TeamWilliams— TOM (@TomR_) June 30, 2021
Perhaps, it's time to call it quits.
— Mary Frank (@Fran_Neena20409) July 1, 2021
Hate to say it by Venus, Serena and Federer all look cooked. End of an era
— Tyler Baudelaire (@Remi_WR) July 1, 2021
Venus Williams stays mum on possible retirement
Asked whether she wants to return in 2022, Venus said: "Of course. Who wouldn't want to be at Wimbledon? Lots of people want to be here.
"Yeah, when it's my last, I'll let you know. I'll give you a little whisper in your ear."
Serena, a seven-time champion at Wimbledon - was forced to quit against Aliaksandra Sasnovich after slipping and injuring her leg, ending another attempt to equal Australian Margaret Court's 24 grand slam titles.
Venus Williams was playing in the tournament for the 23rd time. She has won the title five times, most recently in 2008.
She is out of the singles but her Wimbledon isn't over yet - she's also playing mixed doubles with Nick Kyrgios.
Even though Serena returned after a 10-minute delay and hit a handful of winners, the pain in her right leg appeared too severe and she had to quit in tears.
"I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg," she said afterwards.
"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."
with AAP
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