Boris Becker has Serena Williams retirement fears after Wimbledon exit

Wimbledon day two: Highlights from SW19

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Boris Becker fears Serena Williams will never return to Wimbledon after the American superstar fell on slippery Centre Court and was forced out of the tournament. Williams broke down in tears as her latest bid to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slams ended with her first ever first round exit at SW19.

The seven-time Wimbledon champion had a great chance to win her first Major since the 2017 Australian Open with defending champion Simona Halep and Naomi Osaka not competing and Petra Kvitova already out.

But with Williams turning 40 in September, German legend Becker fears she could have played her last match at SW19.

“It’s the last thing that a champion like Serena wants to do – leave her favourite courts with a walkover,” said the BBC pundit.

“She can barely walk straight. We’ve got to get used to the fact that this might be the last time.

“She is past 30. It’s another year of coming back, injuries, wear-and-tear, she also had an injury at the French Open.

“It is sad to see but time waits for no man or woman.

“The courts seem to be a little bit slippery this year, a number of players have been complaining. Her left ankle went one way, her right leg went sideward.

“She must have strained whatever injury she already had. Unfortunately she had to quit.”

Williams, who has now been stuck on 23 Grand Slam singles title for 13 Majors, issued a statement on Tuesday evening: “I was heartbroken to have to withdraw today after injuring my right leg. My love and gratitude are with the fans and the team who make being on Centre Court so meaningful.

“Feeling the extraordinary warmth and support of the crowd today when I walked on – and off – the court meant the world to me.”

Williams’s injury followed Adrian Mannarino slipping at the same end on Centre Court and damaging his knee against Roger Federer. The roof remained closed on Tuesday with rain stopping play on the outside courts. John Isner suffered a painful fall during his match today (Wed) on Court 18.

But All England Club board member Tim Henman insisted: “The preparation of the courts has been absolutely identical. There’s no doubt the one thing that has been different this year is the weather in the lead up to the tournament, we had a very damp practice week.

“The court and the plant doesn’t have the chance to dry out. Add that the roof has been closed for the first two days and that is why you are going to see some slipping and sliding.

“Early in the tournament the court is at its most lush and it can be a bit challenging moving.

“From the club point of view they wanted to check the humidity levels on Centre Court and No.1 with the roof closed and the humidity levels were lower – and that’s because we aren’t at full capacity. We don’t want to see injuries. The ground staff are meticulous in their preparation of the courts and nothing has changed.”

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