Serena Williams left her future uncertain after her return to Wimbledon ended in a first-round defeat by relatively unknown French player Harmony Tan. Playing singles for the first time since leaving Centre Court prematurely due to injᴜry a year ago, Williams appeared rusty and made several errors.

Despite a strong display of determination and encouragement from the crowd, Williams seemed poised to clinch victory after recovering from a set down and saving a match point in the deciding set’s 12th game. However, she ultimately suffered only her third first-round loss at a Grand Slam, falling 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (7) in a lengthy match lasting over three hours.

At 40 years old, Williams acknowledged her time in the sport may be winding down but remained vague about her future plans, refusing to rule out another attempt at Wimbledon next year. “I’m just planning for right now, seeing how I feel, just to go from there,” she commented. When asked if this could be her farewell to Wimbledon, she responded, “That’s a question I can’t answer. I don’t know. Who knows? Who knows where I’ll pop up.”

Despite the disappointment, Williams expressed optimism about upcoming competitions, particularly the US Open, and reflected positively on her physical condition. She noted the mеntal challenge of crucial points and expressed determination to improve her game, emphasizing her motivation to compete at home in New York.

Reflecting on her Wimbledon performance on Instagram, Williams described the match as intense and expressed enjoyment despite the outcome. She acknowledged the unpredictability of facing opponents like Tan, who celebrated a career-defining moment with her victory over Williams.

Williams’ career has extended beyond tennis with various business ventures and her role as a mother to daughter Olympia. She indicated a strong desire to continue competing and improving, highlighting the special significance of the US Open, where she has achieved significant milestones.

While acknowledging her limitations, Williams reaffirmed her commitment to giving her best effort on the court, expressing determination to maximize her potential in future competitions.