Venus Williams screamed in agony but was able to avoid retirement and keep fighting as she eventually lost in the Wimbledon first round to Elina Svitolina.
Williams looked in control in the early exchanges with a break and hold of serve but there were dramatic scenes as the 43-year-old appeared to twist her knee after being wrong-footed by Svitolina as she went down shrieking in pain.
The five-time Wimbledon champion limped back to her chair, clutching on to her heavily strapped knee and required medical assistance as the action paused.
There were genuine fears of retirement but Williams, cheered on by an adoring Centre Court crowd, refused to give up and carried on before losing 6-4 6-3.
Svitolina broke Williams just before her fall and the Ukrainian took control in the first set as play restarted, with the American looking to avoid rallies and fire off winners as quickly as possible.
Svitolina held and then broke Williams again to lead 3-2, which was enough for the 28-year-old to see out the first set 6-4.
The world No.76 got off to the perfect start in the second set, breaking Williams in the first game before a hold of serve saw her take a 2-0 lead.
Williams refused to throw in the towel despite clearly not being at full power as Svitolina broke her for the fourth time in the match to go 4-1 up.
The duo exchanged service games to give Svitolina the opportunity to serve for the set but Williams stunned her opponent with a break to keep her hopes alive.
Svitolina did not waste another opportunity, though, with another break to take the second set 6-3 and book her place in the second round.
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