Many might have seen tennis star Serena Williams at her worst as she looked much disoriented and withdrew from her doubles match with her sister Venus because of a virus Tuesday, but not before launching a series of unreliable, weak serves the likes of which Wimbledon has never seen.
According to Boston Globe, Williams, who will be 33 in September, was examined courtside by a doctor for some 15 minutes prior to the start of her match against Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele. Sitting on a chair at courtside, a teary-eyed Williams appeared lethargic, if not dazed, as the doctor spoke with her and took her blood pressure.
"I am heartbroken I'm not able to continue in the tournament,'' Williams said in a statement released nearly two hours after she departed the grounds with her sister in a chauffeured car. "I thought I could rally this morning, because I really wanted to compete. But this bug just got the best of me.''
Williams, who looked so depressed upon leaving the venue, did not offer details about her illness. The BBC said the WTA identified her issue only as a virus.
"I want to thank my sister, Kristina, Stefanie and our teams for their support,'' Williams continued via the release. "We were looking forward to a great match. From the bottom of my heart, I thank all of the fans for their cheers and understanding. I look forward to returning to Wimbledon next year.''
Added sister Venus, "Unfortunately, Serena has been feeling unwell for the past few days and she just couldn't play to her potential today. I'm really proud of her trying because we just love playing doubles together.''
According to a report in The Guardian newspaper, at one stage the doctor told a crying Williams, "If you can't see the ball, you shouldn't play.''
"Sad scenes at Wimbledon,'' Barker told her BBC audience as Williams slowly made her way into the car.
Austin added that a viral illness can impact its victim's equilibrium and balance.
"She was not able to catch balls from the ball girl,'' noted Austin, adding that she was surprised Venus didn't persuade her sister not to play.
