Wimbledon: Svitolina sends Venus Williams packing in opening round

In a bittersweet moment at Wimbledon's Centre Court, five-time champion Venus Williams saw her record-breaking 24th appearance come to an end with a first-round defeat against Ukraine's Elina Svitolina. 

The 43-year-old American, once the undisputed queen of Centre Court, fought valiantly against her opponent but was unable to summon the old magic, eventually falling 6-4, 6-3. 

Williams started the match with determination, winning the opening two games. However, a dramatic twist occurred when she stumbled on the grass, clutching her right knee, causing concern among the spectators. The gritty veteran received medical attention but chose to battle on, demonstrating her unwavering spirit.

"I'm proud of my efforts, and I gave it my all out there. It's tough when you can't perform at your best physically, but I never back down from a challenge," Williams remarked after the match.

Despite her courageous effort, Svitolina's fierce gameplay and consistent form proved too much for the American icon. The Ukrainian, who reached the semi-finals in 2019, showcased her dominance on the court, breaking Williams' serve multiple times and securing the first set 6-4.

"The atmosphere was incredible, and I knew I had to stay focused and execute my game plan. Venus is a legend, and defeating her at Wimbledon is an honor," Svitolina said, praising her opponent.

As the second set unfolded, Williams faced an uphill battle, trailing behind with a break early on. The Centre Court crowd, aware of witnessing a historic moment, rallied behind the American veteran, cheering her on with unwavering support.

Amidst the intense competition, Svitolina served for the match in the eighth game. Williams, despite her injury, showcased her legendary determination and broke back, igniting a brief glimmer of hope for a stunning comeback. However, Svitolina remained composed, breaking Williams again and sealing her victory with a 6-3 win in the second set.

"Venus pushed me to my limits today, and it was a challenge to close out the match. I'm grateful for the opportunity to compete against such a tennis legend," Svitolina stated, paying tribute to her resilient opponent.

As Williams left the hallowed grounds of Centre Court, the audience rose to their feet, offering a standing ovation for the player who has graced Wimbledon with her presence for over two decades. With a final wave to the crowd, Williams bid farewell to this year's championship.

The Ukrainian's triumph serves as a reminder of the relentless pursuit of excellence in the sport, while Venus Williams' legacy remains an enduring testament to her unparalleled impact on tennis history.