With a dose of reality in the face of unwavering willpower, aghast at a contentious call to end the match, Venus Williams took her leave at Wimbledon. A wave with her left hand, a wave with her right, and out of the All England Club once more. But more so than any result against Elina Svitolina would muster was the enduring sense of unfettered resolve. Beyond any second-round spot or miraculous comeback from injury; a hope to people from all walks of life, on one of the grandest sporting stages of them all.
A straight-sets, 6-4 6-3, defeat to Ukrainian star Svitolina – who has her own magical story to tell, returning to the tour from giving birth to a daughter in October while her country is at war – was ultimately inevitable. Particularly, after a rousing start and break of serve in her favour, Williams slipped and fell in a manner not dissimilar to her sister Serena at Wimbledon two years ago. Her mobility, already restricted at the back of the court, was only hindered further. The real result was not retiring.
