The seven-time champion is beaten by world No.115 Harmony Tan in tough three setter 5-7 1-6 6(7)-7(10).
After three hours, 10 minutes, Harmony Tan beats Serena Williams in a first round epic.
A backhand so great even Serena had to applaud 👏 #Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/816YBpzG4q
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2022
Serena Williams returned to her old Centre Court stamping ground but could not quite roll back the years.
The 40-year-old American with 23 Grand Slams under her belt, including seven Wimbledon titles, lost a three-set contest with Harmony Tan, who would never have expected to be on the Show Court under normal conditions.
The French world No.115 played her part to the full, taking the first set 7-5 before a break in proceedings to close the roof.
There followed an amazing game at the start of the second half with Tan trying to hang on to her serve. Twelve deuces later and Williams had her break before wrapping up the second set 6-1.
Tan was only playing the fourth grass court tournament of her career while Williams was appearing at Wimbledon for the 21st time.
It's always a pleasure, @serenawilliams #Wimbledon | #CentreCourt100 pic.twitter.com/ALkCMy1sFD
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 28, 2022
However, Tan refused to be over-awed by her opponent as she celebrated a notable win which went all the way to a final set tie-break.
Harmony Tan secures the win of her career on debut at Wimbledon.
“She’s a superstar,” gasped Tan afterwards. “When I saw the draw I was really scared. She’s a legend. I was like ‘oh my god, how can I play?’. If I can win one game or two games, it would be really good for me. For my first Wimbledon, it’s…. wow. Just wow.”
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