Venus Williams loses in Wimbledon first round to Elina Svitolina after falling in first set

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

As Venus Williams entered Centre Court for her 24th Wimbledon appearance at age 43, greeted by a standing ovation, she held a green exercise band overhead with both hands and stretched it while striding to her sideline seat.

Once her first-round match against Elina Svitolina began, Williams played like a throwback version of herself. Those big serves. Those crisp strokes. Quickly, she was a point from a 3-0 lead on Monday.

And then, moving forward to attempt a volley, Williams slipped on the green grass. Her right foot gave way. She collapsed to the ground. She shrieked and clutched at her right knee, which already was covered by a beige sleeve. Williams twice was treated by a trainer — including getting that knee taped up during a medical timeout after the first set — and although the American kept playing, she could not manage to overcome 2019 Wimbledon semifinalist Svitolina in a 6-4, 6-3 defeat.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Officials assist after Venus Williams of the US slipped as she plays Ukraines Elina Svitolina, left, in a first round womens singles match on day one of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Monday, July 3, 2023.  (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Williams was the oldest player in this year’s field and the fourth-oldest to compete in the main draw at Wimbledon. Svitolina was only 2 when Williams made her Wimbledon debut in 1997 and just 5 when Williams won the event for the first time in 2000.

She would go on to capture the titles at the All England Club in 2001, 2005, 2007 and 2008, too, along with a pair of U.S. Open trophies in singles — plus 14 in women's doubles with her younger