Serena Williams Ducks Reporters After First-Round Wimbledon Flameout

Tennis legend Serena Williams declined to participate in a post-match press conference following her defeat Tuesday in Wimbledon’s first round, which marked a singles return for the 44-year-old. The move got her heavily criticized on social media

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Williams’ loss came in what was considered an easy first-round draw as she faced off against Australian player Maya Joint, who recently returned from an injury and had no tournament ranking. Joint is ranked 87 in the WTA.

In a statement, Wimbledon said that Williams “unfortunately will not be able to undertake media this evening,” and then transitioned to direct quotes from the tennis icon. (RELATED: South Korean World Cup Team Hammered With Boos, Protests By Own Fans In One Hell Of A Homecoming)

“It was really great to be back at Wimbledon,” said Williams in her statement. “I never expected to be here.

“The atmosphere was amazing. Walking out was amazing. I definitely relished it and missed it and enjoyed the moment more than anything.”

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Jill Smoller, Williams’s agent, would go on to explain that her client was excused from talking to the media because of an injury that she suffered.

“Serena tweaked her knee at the end of the first set and was therefore excused from her media obligations by the Wimbledon and WTA medical teams,” said Smoller in a statement to British newspaper The Times.

“She left site that night unaided and is doing everything she can to be ready for her doubles match,” Smoller added.

According to the Wednesday morning report from The Times, Williams‘ suffered an injury to her right knee in the match against Joint. As a result, she is doubtful for the upcoming doubles match that she was set to play in with Venus Williams, her sister.

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