Serena Williams Retires From Wimbledon Doubles Match

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Serena Williams of the U.S serves with doubles partner Venus Williams during their women's doubles match at Wimbledon on July 1, 2014.

Image: Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press

By The Associated Press2014-07-01 16:57:13 UTC

LONDON — Serena Williams pulled out of her Wimbledon doubles match with sister Venus after only three games Tuesday.

Serena, who lost in singles Saturday, was checked by medical staff before the doubles match even began. Sitting in her sideline chair, Serena covered her face with her hands.

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Eventually, the match against Kristina Barrois and Stefanie Voegele began. With Serena serving in the third game, she was broken at love, hitting faults that bounced before reaching the net.

Court officials talk to Serena Williams of the U.S as she and Venus Williams retire after 3 games from their women's doubles match at the All England Lawn Tennis Championships in Wimbledon, London, on July 1, 2014.

Image: Pavel Golovkin/Associated Press

At love-40, chair umpire Kader Nouni took the unusual step of climbing down and walking over to speak to Serena. She then served another double-fault to trail 3-0.

Serena and Venus walked to the sideline holding hands, and Nouni announced to the crowd: "Ladies and gentlemen, unfortunately, Miss Williams has to retire."

The Wimbleon referee's office later announced that Serena was suffering from a "viral illness."

Tennis watchers expressed concern for the athlete on social media, many accompanied by videos showing that Williams was clearly struggling.

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Additional reporting by Mashable

Topics: Entertainment, serena williams, Sports, tennis, wimbledon