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Serena Williams Wimbledon
Serena Williams, Tennis News, Wimbledon

Social Slice: Federer and Murray react to Serena Williams Wimbledon exit


On today’s Social Slice, the tennis world reacts to Serena Williams being forced to withdraw from Wimbledon 2021 due to an injury.

Williams was continuing her quest to tie Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles, but was stopped at the first hurdle in unfortunate circumstances.

The sixth seed slipped and suffered an injury in the fifth game of her first round match with Aliaksandra Sasnovich, before retiring with the score at 3-3.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray – who made a winning singles return to the All England Club yesterday – has commented on the Centre Court surface

Eight-time winner Roger Federer advanced to the second round earlier after his opponent Adrian Mannarino was forced to retire – also after slipping on Centre Court.

The Frenchman was leading Federer by 2-1 in sets and was 4-2 down in the fourth when he lost his footing and sustained a knee injury. He retired with the contest locked at two sets apiece.

Federer also discussed the grass in his post-match press conference, and was taken aback by the news of Williams’ unlucky exit.

Two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin also gave her reaction to the 23-time Major winner’s withdrawal on Twitter.

World No. 100 Sasnovich revealed that she also found the court to be slippery during the match.

The Belarusian said in her press conference that she “couldn’t run” for shots hit at an angle by Williams.

Wimbledon legend Billie Jean King expressed her hope that the American is able to return to compete soon.

Here is the moment the 39-year-old lost her footing and picked up the cruel injury that ended her bid for history – until at least the US Open.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.