But facing break point in the third game, Williams charged the net and then crumpled onto the grass with a scream as she clutched her right knee, which was wrapped in a support band.
Williams remained on the ground for several minutes, with Svitolina placing a towel under her head for support.
“I was literally killing it — then I got killed by the grass,” Williams said.
The effort lasted just six games: Serena Williams had to withdraw in the first round because of an ankle injury.
Serena Williams returned to Wimbledon last year at the start of what seems to have been a final summer of professional tennis, though one never knows these days.
Persons:
Williams, Svitolina’s, —, ” Williams, “, Serena, Serena Williams
Organizations:
Svitolina, Wimbledon