Serena Williams is out of Wimbledon but it was an epic, incredible match against Harmony Tan

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Serena Williams is out of Wimbledon but it was an epic, incredible match against Harmony Tan

LONDON, England — Serena Williams lost to Harmony Tan and questions for the 23rd time on her much-anticipated return at Wimbledon Tuesday night in a hard-fought 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7) marathon thriller Major Champions future in sports were immediate.

“That’s a question I can’t answer,” said the 40-year-old in her post-game press conference. “I dont know. I have a feeling, you know, I don’t know. Who knows? Who knows where I’ll show up.”

But even if this is the last time we see the legendary superstar on the pitch, at Wimbledon or elsewhere, it was certainly a match we will long remember, filled with epic rallies, powerful shots and instantly viral cheers. Williams himself even called it “insane and intense” in a post on Instagram, saying “gosh I enjoyed that” despite the loss. Here are some moments from the night that won’t soon be forgotten:

Serena rallies (in more ways than one)

After losing the first two games of the game, Williams found her rhythm and form in the third game. During that rally at Deuce, Williams flew all over the court, returning every ball Tan hit her and winning the point with an overhead smash that brought her to one knee. It was perhaps the game’s first true “Serena” moment. Commenting on the match for ESPN, her close friend Caroline Wozniacki called it “very enjoyable tennis.”

Cheers from the web

During a multi-shot rally later in the first set, Williams attempted the overhead smash again, but this time Tan was able to return it with a flawless backhand pass down the line to level the match at 4-all. Even Williams had to clap approvingly.

Forced to his knees

It was 4:40 in the third set as Williams tried to regain momentum and the lead she had before. 15 leadership in the game. With the roof now closed due to darkness, Center Court roared in admiration and awe, and most of the crowd was on their feet.

take control

Williams was within two points of victory in the third set before Tan broke them and leveled the score to 5-all. She celebrated the game’s crucial point with a Williams-esque “Come on!” to the crowd.

That winning moment

Tan, currently ranked 115 in the world, played in her main draw debut at Wimbledon – against Williams on Center Court, no less – and pulled off the biggest upset of her career after over three hours of grueling play. Her celebration, as well as that of her family and friends in the stands after the final point, really said it all as she advanced to the second round at a Major for the third time in her career. The 24-year-old later called it a “dream”.

The crowd on their feet

At the end of the game there was a standing ovation for both players. It seemed particularly poignant for Williams, who waved and twirled as she headed for the exit as the crowd continued to cheer. It wasn’t nearly as emotional as her departure at the 2021 Australian Open, but a fitting farewell – whether until next year or forever – for the seven-time Wimbledon champion.

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