The 43-year-old American, contesting the Wimbledon singles for a record 24th time, still retains the easy power that once made her the queen of Centre Court but succumbed 6-4 6-3 after a nasty early fall hindered her movement.
It was just bad luck for me," former world number one Williams told reporters later.
Williams had more treatment before the start of set two but dropped serve immediately with a forehand into the net.
Asked if she had considered pulling out after her slip, Williams said her only thought had been trying to figure out a way to win.
Reporting by Martyn Herman Editing by Toby DavisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
Persons:
Venus Williams, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina REUTERS, Andrew Couldridge, Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, Williams, Serena, I'm, Venus, You've, Svitolina, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis
Organizations:
Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Wimbledon, All, Thomson
Locations:
London, Britain, All England