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It is, without a doubt, a sad day for both Serena Williams and her fans. Her withdrawal from her second-round doubles match with sister Venus Williams against Germany’s Kristina Barrois and Switzerland’s Stefanie Voegele left many in shock. The disoriented player and five-time Wimbledon single champion cited a “viral illness” as the cause. She was reported as being examined by medical staff just moments before the start of the match.
“I thought I could rally this morning, because I really wanted to compete, but this bug just got the best of me,” Williams said in a statement.
Fans of the player could tell that something was amiss from the moment a visibly flustered Williams staggered onto the court. Sure enough, Williams had become alarmingly lightheaded by the second-round and had to call it quits, wiping away tears as she walked off the court.
What a fighter. Rest up and feel better soon, Serena!