VENUS WILLIAMS bravely carried on despite a horror injury on Centre Court.
The 43-year-old tennis legend took a nasty tumble in the third game of her first-round match with Elina Svitolina.
©Karwai TangVenus Williams took a nasty tumble on the Centre Court grass[/caption]
GettyShe already had her right knee strapped up[/caption]
Williams came into the net to try and save break point but her right knee – already heavily strapped – buckled and her leg skidded forwards.
She fell to the turf and let out an almighty scream as the 15,000-seater stadium went silent.
Williams stayed down for a few moments before hobbling to her chair, leading 2-1, where she was immediately tended to by a physio.
The American bravely carried on, though, and battled through the pain against her Ukrainian opponent.
The five-time champion was clearly struggling though and soon fell behind.
Williams lost the next three games to go 4-2 down before holding serve and gingerly making her way back to the chair.
And fans were delighted to see the 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008 Wimbledon champion carrying on.
One said: “Venus Williams. Tennis royalty. To keep going after it looked like she hyper-extended her knee of some sorts. Can’t believe I’ve watched her since 1998.”
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Another wrote: “Venus Williams is a legend.”
Svitolina held serve to take the first set 6-4 and Williams received further extensive treatment in a medical time-out as the knee was rebandaged.
Williams’ fall comes two years after her sister Serena retired on the same court.
Serena turned her ankle and had to quit her first-round clash with Aliaksandra Sasnovich in emotional scenes.
Venus, the older of the siblings, was given a Wimbledon wildcard this year – 15 years on from her latest triumph.
The former world No1 turned pro way back in 1994 aged just 14.
She did not qualify for the tournament due to her ranking of 558.
Opponent Svitolina, meanwhile, was also handed direct entry by the All England Club having recently returned to the WTA Tour following the birth of her daughter Skai with fellow tennis player Gael Monfils.
GettyA ball kid and the umpire came to help[/caption]
PAShe headed for her chair and needed treatment[/caption]
Wiliams won the title in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008Richard Pelham / The Sun Read More