America's tennis legend, Serena Williams, was left heartbroken and questioned her future at Wimbledon after losing to France's Harmony Tan in the first round. After a staggering 3 hours and 10 minutes and a dramatic 3-set match, Williams supposedly 'looked physically and mentally spent,' ultimately landing in defeat. After taking center stage on the court for at least 27 years, the racquet rocket questions whether Wimbledon will be a part of her future. Here's what went down.
Williams was just 17 years old when she first won the Grand Slam singles title in 1999. Since then, she holds won titles for four tournaments, 6 out of 7 singles wins, 7 Australian Opens, 6 US Open crowns, and 8 Miami Masters. However, on June 29th, 2021, Williams's career took a backspin. After a first-round injury slipping on the court playing against Aliaksandra Sasnovich, Williams tore a hamstring and had no choice but to forfeit the match and remove herself from following games until further notice. Throughout her absence, Williams constantly updated her fans on the situation through social media and talk shows, appearing on The Jimmy Kimmel Show and USA Today. She remained optimistic with the hope of getting back on her feet yet still acknowledged the high risk of ever playing again. One year later, Williams announced she was returning to the racquet at Wimbledon 2022.
On June 28th, Williams made a confident comeback, ready to go against Harmony Tan. If her recovered injury wasn't enough of a distraction, Williams's prolonged sinus issue forced her to wear kinesiology tape on her face reducing pressure and pain. Unfortunately, Tan defeated Williams after a 3-hour thrill despite her strength and determination. Before the match, Tan even expressed her apprehension about playing against Williams, praising her as 'a legend.' Fans and sports editors wasted no time jumping on Twitter to praise Tan and show immense support for Williams. Talent agent of Fam Sports, Jason Finegan, applauded Williams for her intensity and Tan for her overall performance, while sports editor Ben Nagle acknowledged Williams 'GOAT status' and Tan's incredible introduction to the court.
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Unbelievable tennis match.. Serena Williams, out for a full year and to produce such endurance and intensity is phenomenal, but Harmony Tan, take a bow.. what a performance! Testament to both players 👏🏼🎾
— Jason Finegan (@Jason_Finegan) June 28, 2022
Following the defeat, Williams explained she truly gave it her all. When asked if she would return to Wimbledon, it was a question she couldn't answer, "like, I don't know. Who knows? Who knows where I'll pop up." The uncertainty as a result of the loss has taken a toll on William's decision on whether 'she intends to continue.' As for tongue-tied Tan, her first Wimbledon was "wow. Just wow." After a standing ovation post-match, both players are winners, whether this was for Tan's first Wimbledon win or a mark on William's Tennis legacy.
