Elina Svitolina was really “shaken up” by Venus Williams’ fall at Wimbledon
The Ukrainian was relieved to see her opponent stand up on her own after an injury scare during their first-round match.
WATCH: Elina Svitolina defeats Venus Williams in the first round of Wimbledon
Five-time Wimbledon champion Venus Williams was knocked out by Elina Svitolina in straight sets on Monday, after overcoming a scary fall during the third game of their 6-4, 6-3 match.
Heading into her 24th Wimbledon singles appearance with a wild card entry, Williams was ready to prove 43 is the new 25.
"I started the match perfectly," said Williams. "I was literally killing it, then I got killed by the grass."
Down break point in the third game, Williams moved forward looking to take control of the point and finish it at net. After extending toward a volley and making contact, she collapsed to the ground.
“She screamed really loud,” noted fellow wild card Svitolina. “I was really shaken up.”
It was only a few games later that Williams needed a medical timeout. After fighting tooth and nail to save not only a service break but the first set, Svitolina served out the first set 6-4.
"Right now I'm kind of in shock," Williams said after the match. "I still can't believe this happened. It's, like, bizarre."
Although the second set wasn't nearly as close as the first, Williams did manage to break Svitolina's serve when the match was on the line, keeping both her spirits up and the crowd engaged.
“I was really happy for her actually that she could stand up after,” Svitolina added. “It’s such a horrible injury, the knee injury. Any injury is bad, but, you know, she screamed really loud.
“And the champion she is, she fought, she gave her everything. Yeah, just amazing champion she is.”
Two wild cards entered Centre Court, only one moved forward. Svitolina will face No. 28 seed Elise Mertens in the second round.