Venus Williams crashed out in the first round of her 24th appearance at Wimbledon with a straight-set defeat to Elina Svitolina.
Despite receiving a standing ovation as She exited Centre Court, fans criticised the five-time champion’s behaviour after the deciding point.
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The clash against Svitolina was by no means easy for Williams as she went down injured in the third game of the first set.
She slipped and rolled on the court close to the net, holding an already bandaged right knee.
Williams was able to get back up and continue shortly after, but her Ukrainian opponent went on to win the set 6-4.
Svitolina won the second 6-3 and her victory was confirmed after her forehand was initially called out by a line judge before being overturned by a challenge.
With disappointment on her face clear to see, Williams looked towards umpire Marija Cicak and shook her head before opting not to shake hands.
She then quickly picked up her tennis bag and towel and made her way off the court, with fans quick to criticise on social media.
On Twitter, one said: “Embarrassing from Venus Williams not shaking hands with the umpire at the end of that match. Wants to play into her fifties but acts like a child. Just retire.”
“Amazing that Venus Williams is still turning out at Wimbledon, though shaking her head at the umpire and no handshake showed a lack of class unbecoming of a champion,” added another.
A third said: “It was amazing to see Venus Williams make another Wimbledon appearance, a shame that she left shaking her head at the umpire and no handshake, embarrassing conduct for a legendary player.”
Williams, who hasn’t won a singles Grand Slam since Wimbledon in 2008, is currently in her 30th year on the WTA Tour and like Svitolina, entered Wimbledon this year as a wildcard.
Despite being 43 years of age, a social media message in the lead-up to this year’s tournament hinted that retirement is by no means playing on her mind as of now.
She said: “The best news is I walked off the court yesterday not hurt and not even sore after a long match and a string of really challenging injuries which means I have a chance to build on yesterday’s performance in my next events.
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“It’s not easy to continue to come back after unexpected injuries and delays but that’s life and I love what I do and I believe in what I am doing.”
Svitolina will now face Belgian Elise Mertens in the second round.
